Debbie Bliss Nuno Stripe Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Nuno Stripe Sweater

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Nuno Stripe Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed for intermediate knitters. This sweater features a classic crew neckline with a ribbed collar and is available in seven different sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 81–86cm (32–34 inches) up to 142–147cm (56–58 inches). The finished garment offers a relaxed fit with finished chest measurements ranging from 105cm to 165cm depending on the selected size.

Techniques Used

This project employs seamed construction, meaning the individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together for assembly. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is a traditional approach for garment pieces like the back, fronts, and sleeves. The design incorporates striped patterning throughout, creating visual interest through the use of multiple yarn colors worked in sequence.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques. Key abbreviations include knit (k) for the basic knit stitch and purl (p) for the purl stitch, which form the foundation of the stitch pattern. Decreasing techniques are employed for shaping, including k2tog (knit two stitches together) and skpo (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), which are used to reduce stitch counts at strategic points such as the neckline and sleeve cap shaping. The pattern also uses slip stitches and standard cast-on and cast-off techniques to begin and finish the work.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Debbie Bliss Nuno Stripe Sweater is constructed using Debbie Bliss Saphia yarn, a premium yarn available through lovecrafts.com. The yarn is supplied in 100-gram hanks (equivalent to 3½ ounces). Three coordinating colors are used to create the striped effect:

• Smoke 14 (Color A): 3 to 5 hanks depending on size
• Peat 03 (Color B): 4 to 6 hanks depending on size
• Heather 01 (Color C): 3 to 5 hanks depending on size

The pattern requires two sets of needles in different sizes to achieve proper fabric density. 7mm (US 10½) knitting needles are used for the ribbed collar and cuffs, which creates a tighter, more elastic fabric. 8mm (US 11) knitting needles are used for the main body and sleeves to create the larger gauge required for the sweater's body fabric. Additionally, 7mm (US 10½) circular needles measuring 40cm (16 inches) in length and 8mm (US 11) circular needles of the same length are required, likely for picking up stitches around the neckline and working the collar.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when measured over the stitch pattern using the 8mm (US 11) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly. The finished length to shoulder ranges from 62cm to 64cm (24½ to 25¼ inches) across the size range, while sleeve length varies from 43cm to 46cm (17 to 18 inches), allowing for appropriate proportions across different sizes.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction. The combination of seamed assembly, stripe pattern work, and fitted shaping through decreases requires solid foundational skills and attention to detail.