Debbie Bliss Martha Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Martha Knitted Jacket

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Martha is a knitted jacket designed for intermediate knitters. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted from the lower edges upward. The finished jacket features a structured fit with five buttons for closure and is available in five size options ranging from bust measurements of 90cm to 134cm (35½ to 52¾ inches).

Techniques Used

This project employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Cable Work: The Martha features multiple cable stitches including C4B (cable 4 back), C4F (cable 4 front), C8B (cable 8 back), and C8F (cable 8 front). These cables create raised, twisted stitch patterns that add visual interest and texture to the garment.
• Stranded Colorwork: The pattern incorporates a rose chart, indicating stranded knitting techniques where multiple colors are carried across the work to create a patterned design.
• Buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are worked into the design to accommodate the five buttons that close the jacket.
• Seaming: The garment is constructed using seamed construction, where separate pieces are knitted flat and then sewn together to create the finished jacket.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and pattern work.

Stitches Used

The Martha employs a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Moss Stitch: Used as a textured stitch pattern, moss stitch creates a bumpy, woven appearance by alternating knit and purl stitches. The gauge for this project is 22 stitches and 32 rows over a 10cm square in moss stitch using 3.75mm needles.
• Stocking Stitch: A basic knit stitch that creates a smooth, V-patterned fabric surface.
• Reverse Stocking Stitch: The reverse side of stocking stitch, creating a bumpy texture.
• Cable Stitches: Complex stitches created by crossing groups of stitches over one another to form twisted rope-like patterns.
• Wrap Stitches: Specialty stitches created by wrapping yarn around needles in specific ways to create decorative effects.

Materials

The Debbie Bliss Martha requires specific yarn and needle materials to achieve the correct gauge and finished appearance:

• Yarn: The primary yarn is Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK in Mid Blue 04, with 8 to 10 balls of 100g required depending on size. Accent colorwork is created using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Rose 76 and Deep Rose 50, with one 50g ball of each color needed.
• Needles: A pair of 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles is used for ribbed sections, while 3.75mm (US 5) needles are used for the main fabric. A circular 3.75mm (US 5) needle is also required for certain sections of the pattern.
• Notions: Five buttons are needed to complete the jacket closure.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Martha is available in five size options accommodating a range of bust measurements. Finished bust measurements span from 90cm to 134cm, with corresponding length to shoulder measurements ranging from 64cm to 72cm and a consistent sleeve length of 46cm across all sizes.