Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Jumper Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Jumper

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Jumper is a classic knitted sweater designed to fit bust sizes from 81cm to 102cm (32 to 40 inches). This garment features a sophisticated combination of moss stitch and ribbed textures, creating visual interest and structure. The finished bust measurements range from 83cm to 107cm (32¾ to 42 inches), with a length to shoulder varying from 46cm to 50cm (18 to 19¾ inches) depending on the chosen size. All sizes feature a consistent sleeve length of 45cm (17¾ inches).

Techniques Used

This jumper is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for seaming during finishing. Cable techniques are incorporated into the design, specifically using cable crosses to create textured panels. The garment is finished with seaming, where individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are sewn together to complete the jumper.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is moss stitch, which creates a dense, textured fabric with excellent drape and structure. Moss stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across rows, creating a bumpy, tweedy appearance. The pattern also incorporates ribbing, which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape at the cuffs and edges.

Cable stitches feature prominently in the design, specifically C6B (cable 6 back: slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of work, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle) and C6F (cable 6 front: slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the front of work, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle). These cable crosses create twisted rope-like textures that add dimension to the garment. Additional standard stitches include knit, purl, yarn round needle increases, and slip-knit-pass-over decreases for shaping.

Materials and Gauge

The Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Jumper is knitted using Debbie Bliss Mia yarn in the Apple colorway. The pattern requires 11 to 15 balls of 50g yarn, depending on the chosen size. Two sizes of knitting needles are used: 3.75mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed cuff sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body. A cable needle is essential for working the cable crosses throughout the design.

The gauge for this pattern is 20 stitches and 36 rows over moss stitch and 26 stitches and 28 rows over rib, both measured over 10cm (4 inches) when slightly stretched using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit of the garment.