Debbie Bliss Nancy Knitting Pattern

Nancy Sweater by Debbie Bliss

What is Being Made

The Nancy is a women's knitted sweater designed by Debbie Bliss, available in five size options ranging from 81-86cm to 122-127cm bust measurements (32-34 inches to 48-50 inches). This garment features a sophisticated lace pattern throughout and is constructed as a classic pullover style with set-in sleeves. The finished bust measurements range from 90cm to 137cm (35½ inches to 54 inches), with a consistent length to shoulder of approximately 56-60cm (22-23½ inches). The sleeve length is a standard 38cm (15 inches).

Techniques Used

The Nancy sweater is worked using fundamental knitting construction methods suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted as a flat rectangle before assembly. The sweater is seamed, with individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) knitted separately and then stitched together at the seams. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with the cast-on at the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. This traditional method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and make adjustments to length as needed.

Stitches Used

The Nancy pattern employs a combination of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches. The foundational stitch is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance. The pattern incorporates lace stitches as a central design element, featuring yarn-forward increases (yfwd) paired with various decrease techniques to create openwork motifs. Decreases used include skpo (slip, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), k2tog (knit two together), and sk2po (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over). The pattern also includes ribbing at the waistline, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 rib pattern. Additional techniques include make one increases (m1) worked by picking up and working into the back of loops between stitches, and yarn forward stitches that create the lace openings. The lace pattern repeats across the body in a structured, symmetrical design.

Materials

The Nancy sweater requires 8 to 15 balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply yarn in Pale Blue 012, depending on the size selected. Each ball contains 50 grams of yarn. Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 2.75mm (US size 2) needles for the ribbed sections and 3.25mm (US size 3) needles for the main body and lace pattern work. The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using the 3.25mm needles, and 27 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm in the main lace pattern, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.