Debbie Bliss Nettie Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Nettie Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Nettie Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements from 82-127 cm (32-50 inches), with finished bust measurements ranging from 123-166 cm (48½-65½ inches). The garment features a length to shoulder of 64-72 cm (25¼-28¼ inches) and sleeve length of 44 cm (17¼ inches) with a turned-back cuff. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that produces a sophisticated, wearable layering piece.

Techniques Used

The Nettie Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the cast-on edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the pattern.
• Worked flat: The cardigan is knitted on straight needles in flat pieces rather than in the round, with pieces later seamed together.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Buttonholes: The cardigan features button closures with corresponding buttonholes worked into the right front band.
• Buttons: Six buttons are used to fasten the cardigan front.
• Shaping techniques: The pattern includes shoulder shaping, neck shaping, and upper arm shaping accomplished through strategic decreases and cast-offs to create a fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Nettie Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches combined in structured patterns:

• Knit stitch (k): The basic stitch used throughout the garment.
• Purl stitch (p): Combined with knit stitches to create texture and pattern.
• Rib pattern: A 2x2 rib pattern (alternating 2 knit stitches and 2 purl stitches) forms the main fabric, creating vertical lines and elasticity. The pattern is worked as [P2, k2] repeats.
• Decrease stitches: Techniques including p2tog tbl (purl 2 together through back loop) and skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) are used for shaping.
• Yarn over techniques: The pattern includes y2rn (wrap yarn twice around needle) for decorative or functional increases.
• Slip stitches: Used in conjunction with other decreases for seamless shaping.

Materials

The Nettie Cardigan is designed to be knitted with a combination of three premium yarns from the Debbie Bliss collection:

• Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran in Pebble 42 (A): 400-500 grams depending on size, serving as the primary yarn for the main fabric.
• Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Silver 202 (B): 9-11 balls of 50 grams each (450-550 grams total), used as a secondary yarn to add softness and luxury to the blend.
• Debbie Bliss Erin Tweed in Moss 11 (C): Two 50-gram balls (100 grams total), incorporated for textural contrast and depth.
• Needles: A pair each of 4.5mm (US 7) and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main fabric, plus a circular 4.5mm (US 7) needle for finishing details such as button bands and neckline.
• Notions: Six buttons to complete the cardigan front closure.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over a 10 cm (4 inch) square using the 5mm (US 8) needles over the rib pattern. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements across all five size options. The upper arm width ranges from 62.5-84 cm (24½-33 inches) depending on the