Debbie Bliss Nadia Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Nadia Striped Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Nadia is a knitted sweater designed by Debbie Bliss, available in four sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through 112-117 cm (44-46 inches). The finished bust measurements range from 125 cm (49¼ inches) to 155 cm (61 inches), with length to shoulder varying from 52 cm (20½ inches) to 58 cm (22¾ inches). All sizes feature a consistent sleeve length of 46 cm (18 inches).

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several sophisticated construction techniques. The sweater is worked flat, meaning the pieces are knitted in separate flat sections rather than in the round. The garment uses seamed construction, with pieces sewn together after knitting. Short row shaping is incorporated on both the front and back pieces to create a shaped, fitted silhouette. The short rows are worked using a turning technique where stitches are slipped to create smooth transitions, and when working back across short rows, slipped stitches are treated as two stitches and worked together to maintain stitch integrity.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative elements. Core stitches include knit and purl stitches, which form the basis of the fabric. Increases are created using make one (m1) techniques, picking up loops between stitches and working into the back of the loop. The pattern also incorporates bobble (mb) stitches as decorative details, created by working multiple stitches into a single stitch, then decreasing them back down. Standard decreases such as slip, slip, knit (ssk) are used for shaping.

Striped Colorwork

The Nadia features a multi-color striped design worked in four coordinating shades of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn. The color palette includes Navy (M), White (A), Mallard (B), and Scarlet (C), creating a classic striped effect throughout the sweater.

Materials and Gauge

This project requires Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, a lightweight double knitting yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 8 balls of Navy, 9 balls of White, 3 balls of Mallard, and 1 ball of Scarlet (each ball is 50g); larger sizes require proportionally more yarn. The pattern is worked on 3.25mm (US 3) and 4mm (US 6) knitting needles. The gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows over the stitch pattern as specified in the pattern instructions.

Construction Notes

The advanced difficulty rating reflects the combination of techniques required: managing multiple colors in striped sections, executing short row shaping with proper stitch management, and assembling the garment through seaming. The pattern includes detailed abbreviations and instructions for techniques such as picking up stitches, slipping stitches purlwise, and managing yarn tension when working stripes.