Debbie Bliss Rice Stitch Jacket Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Rice Stitch Jacket

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Rice Stitch Jacket is a knitted cardigan jacket designed to fit chest sizes ranging from 76–81 cm (30–32 inches) up to 137–142 cm (54–56 inches). This intermediate-level project produces a finished garment with a chest measurement between 91 cm and 151 cm (36–59.5 inches), depending on the chosen size. The jacket features a length to back neck ranging from 53 cm to 65 cm (21–25.5 inches) and sleeve lengths between 44 cm and 47 cm (17.25–18.5 inches). The design includes 16 buttons for front closure, making it a practical layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the pieces are knitted in rows rather than in the round. The construction method involves seaming the individual pieces together once they are completed. The pattern includes wrap and turn shaping techniques, which are used to create smooth shoulder shaping without visible steps. These wrapping techniques are worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows, with wrapped stitches being worked together with their wrapping loops on subsequent rows. The jacket is finished with button bands and requires careful attention to tension and stitch definition to showcase the textured stitch pattern.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this garment is the rice stitch, which is a textured stitch pattern that creates a distinctive bumpy, dimensional fabric. The pattern is worked over 24 stitches and 32 rows to achieve a gauge of 10 cm (4 inches) when using the larger needles. The rice stitch provides visual interest and texture while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters. The pattern also employs standard knitting abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), yarn forward (yf), and various decreasing techniques such as pass slip stitch over (psso) and slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) for shaping.

Materials

The Debbie Bliss Rice Stitch Jacket is constructed using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK yarn, a blend that combines the softness of cashmere with the durability of merino wool in a double knitting weight. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 11 balls to 19 balls of 50g (1.75 oz) balls, depending on which size is being knitted. The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 3.25 mm (US 3) needles and 4mm (US 6) needles. For larger sizes, a long circular needle in both 3.25 mm and 4 mm is recommended to accommodate the increased stitch counts. The pattern also calls for 16 buttons for the front closure. The gauge is established at 24 stitches and 32 rows over the rice stitch pattern using the 4 mm needles, measured over a 10 cm (4 inch) square.