Debbie Bliss Sadie Knitting Pattern

Sadie Cardigan by Debbie Bliss

What is Being Made

Sadie is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Debbie Bliss, available in three finished bust sizes: 117cm (46in), 132cm (52in), and 148cm (58¼in). The cardigan features a length of 76cm (30in) with a sleeve length of 42cm (16½in) when the cuff is turned back. This is a sophisticated garment suitable for experienced knitters seeking a complex, multi-color design project.

Techniques Used

Sadie employs several advanced knitting techniques that elevate it beyond beginner projects. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are constructed individually and then seamed together rather than worked in the round. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, building the garment from the lower edges upward. Stranded colorwork is a primary feature, requiring the knitter to carry yarn colors across the wrong side of the work while creating intricate patterned sections. The pattern includes buttonholes positioned for a five-button front closure, and the finished cardigan is seamed together at the sides and sleeves. When working from the colorwork charts, special attention is required: Chart 1 and Chart 3 are read with right side rows worked from left to right and wrong side rows from right to left, while Charts 2a and 2b reverse this convention. The collar and sleeves involve fabric reversal, requiring knitters to purl on right side rows and knit on wrong side rows as specified in the instructions, rather than following the standard stocking stitch pattern.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. Garter stitch appears in the design, likely for cuffs or edging details. Increases are worked using the make one technique, executed by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches just worked and the next stitch. The slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decrease is used for shaping. Stitches may be worked through the back of loops (tbl) in specific sections. The stranded colorwork technique requires managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, with separate balls of yarn used for individual motifs in Charts 2a and 2b, with yarns twisted together on the wrong side at color changes to prevent holes from forming.

Materials

Sadie is designed to be knitted with Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, a double-knitting weight yarn. The yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size requires 7 balls of Stone 06 (color A), 5 balls of Earth 37 (color B), 2 balls each of Grey 04 (color C) and Ocean 72 (color J), and 1 ball each of Burnt Orange 43 (color F), Apple 09 (color E), Mustard 99 (color D), and Sea Green 81 (color G). Larger sizes require increased yardage proportionally. The pattern calls for a pair each of 3.25mm (US 3) and 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles, allowing for gauge adjustments and needle sizing appropriate to the yarn weight. Five buttons are required for the front closure. The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 28 rows to a 10cm (4in) square measured over stocking stitch using the 3.75mm (US 5) needles.