Debbie Bliss Ray Coat Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Ray Coat

What is Being Made

The Ray Coat is a knitted jacket designed by Debbie Bliss, available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The finished coat features a classic silhouette with a back neck length ranging from 76 cm (30 inches) in the smallest size to 84 cm (33 inches) in the largest size. The sleeves are a consistent 43 cm (17 inches) in length across all sizes. This garment is constructed as a structured jacket suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Ray Coat is worked using bottom-up construction, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is seamed, with separate pieces knitted flat on straight needles and then joined together. The back and front pieces are worked individually, and shaping is incorporated through strategic decreasing and casting off to create armholes and shoulder definition. The neckline shaping is achieved through a series of decreases worked over multiple rows to create a gradual, fitted neck opening.

Stitches Used

This beginner-friendly pattern primarily utilizes garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most fundamental knitting stitches. The pattern incorporates basic shaping techniques including:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch that forms the fabric
• Purl (p) – used in abbreviations and pattern notes
• Decrease stitches – specifically skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and k2tog (knit 2 together) – used to reduce stitch counts for shaping armholes, shoulders, and necklines
• Cast off – used to bind off stitches when completing shoulders and finishing edges

The garter stitch texture creates a fabric with excellent drape and structure, making it ideal for a coat that requires both visual interest and durability.

Materials

The Ray Coat requires 12 to 16 balls of Debbie Bliss Merion yarn in the Pebble 05 colorway, with the exact quantity depending on the size being knitted. Each ball weighs 100 grams. Debbie Bliss Merion is a premium wool blend yarn that provides softness and warmth suitable for a coat garment.

Needles required include a pair of 5mm (US size 8) needles and a pair of 7mm (US size 10.5) needles for the main fabric. Additionally, a long circular 7mm (US size 10.5) knitting needle is needed for working certain sections, likely the back piece or for managing larger stitch counts.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 24 rows to a 10 cm (4 inch) square over garter stitch using 7mm (US size 10.5) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished coat matches the intended measurements.