Debbie Bliss Ora Knitting Pattern

Ora Cardigan by Debbie Bliss

What is Being Made

The Ora Cardigan is a women's button-front cardigan designed by Debbie Bliss, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127cm (48-50 inches). The finished bust measurements range from 96cm (37¾ inches) to 140cm (55 inches), with length to shoulder varying from 56cm to 68cm (22 to 26¾ inches) depending on size. The cardigan features a standard sleeve length of 46cm (18 inches) and is constructed using a seamed, bottom-up approach.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted as a flat rectangle before assembly. The bottom-up construction method means you begin by casting on stitches at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Seaming is used to join the individual pieces together, creating clean, finished seams along the sides and shoulders. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to create the fitted silhouette, armhole shaping through strategic cast-offs, and shoulder shaping to achieve proper garment fit.

Stitches Used

The Ora Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The primary stitch is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the base of the garment. The pattern incorporates knit and purl stitches worked in combination to create textured stitch patterns throughout the cardigan. Additional stitch techniques include make one (m1) increases for gradual shaping, knit two together (k2tog) decreases, and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decreases for refined edge shaping. The pattern is worked over a repeat sequence, with specific instructions for maintaining pattern continuity across increases and decreases.

Materials

The Ora Cardigan is knitted using Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran yarn, a medium-weight aran-weight yarn. The project requires a total of 450 to 650 grams of yarn depending on size, distributed equally between two colorways: Charcoal (A) and Pebble (B), with 225-325 grams of each color. Knitting needles required are a pair of 4mm (US 6) needles and a pair of 5mm (US 8) needles, with the 5mm needles used for the main fabric. The pattern also calls for approximately 122cm (48 inches) of 4cm (1½ inch) wide trim or edging material. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over pattern using the 5mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished cardigan.