Debbie Bliss Miriam Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Miriam Striped Sweater

What is Being Made

The Miriam is a women's pullover sweater designed by Debbie Bliss, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 82-86cm (32-34in) up to 122-127cm (48-50in). The finished garment features a classic pullover silhouette with set-in sleeves and a crew neckline, with finished bust measurements ranging from 91cm (35¾in) to 135cm (53¼in). The sweater is worked in a striped colorway using Debbie Bliss Piper yarn in Blush and Gold, with a total length to shoulder ranging from 49cm (19¼in) to 57cm (22½in) depending on size.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted as a flat rectangle before assembly. The garment is constructed using a bottom-up approach, with the body and sleeves cast on and worked upward from the lower edges. The pieces are then seamed together to create the finished garment. Striped colorwork is incorporated throughout the design by alternating between the two yarn colors. The neckline features a ribbed band created with knit and purl stitches, and the sweater includes button details for finishing.

Stitches Used

The Miriam utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate maker. Stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch) forms the primary fabric, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured knit fabric. Garter stitch is used for the ribbed cuff and neckline bands, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, elastic fabric. Decreases are worked using skpo (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) and k2tog (knit two together) techniques to shape the armholes and neckline. The pattern also includes p2tog and p2togtbl (purl two together through the back loop) for decreasing on wrong-side rows. Make one (m1) increases are used to add stitches where shaping requires it. Yarn over and yarn twice round needle techniques create decorative elements.

Materials

This project requires Debbie Bliss Piper yarn in two colorways: 3 to 5 balls of Blush (color 11) depending on size, and 1 to 2 balls of Gold (color 13). A pair each of 3.25mm (US size 3) and 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles are needed—the smaller needles create the ribbed bands while the larger needles are used for the main stocking stitch fabric. The pattern calls for 3 buttons to finish the neckline. The gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10cm (4in) square measured over stocking stitch using the 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.