Debbie Bliss Saffira Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Saffira Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Saffira Cardigan is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust sizes from 81cm to 112cm (32 to 44 inches). This is a sophisticated beaded cardigan featuring intricate stitch patterns worked in a fine 4-ply yarn. The finished cardigan offers a range of seven size options with bust measurements ranging from 88cm to 122cm (34¾ to 48 inches) and a consistent sleeve length of 33cm (13 inches). The garment features a length to shoulder measurement between 51cm and 57cm (20 to 22½ inches) depending on size selected.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques that require experienced craftsmanship. The garment is worked flat, meaning it is constructed in separate pieces rather than in the round. The construction includes seamedbuttonholes positioned along the front opening, requiring precise stitch manipulation and careful placement across the garment pieces. Buttons are sewn onto the corresponding button band, with 12 buttons specified for the complete closure. The most distinctive technique involves threading and knitting with beads: approximately 7,000 beads are threaded onto the yarn before knitting begins using a specialized method involving a sewing needle and cotton loop, allowing beads to be incorporated directly into the fabric as stitches are worked.

Stitches Used

The Saffira Cardigan is primarily constructed using stocking stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric with a neat appearance on the right side. The pattern includes chart-based stitch work for the left and right front pieces, indicating the use of charted stitch patterns that may include variations in knit and purl stitches to create textural or decorative elements. Standard abbreviations used throughout the pattern include knit (k), purl (p), yarn round needle (yrn) for creating decorative eyelets or increases, slip stitch (sl), and slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) for decreases. The beading technique requires stitches to be worked with beads positioned within them, creating an integrated beaded fabric rather than beads applied afterward.

Materials

The Saffira Cardigan is knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply yarn in Black 03, a fine weight yarn requiring 7 to 11 balls of 50g each depending on the size selected. The pattern specifies 3mm (US 2-3) and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles, with the 3.25mm needles used for the main fabric. The gauge is 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using the 3.25mm needles. The cardigan requires 12 buttons for the front closure and approximately 7,000 beads that are threaded onto the yarn before knitting. Care instructions specify hand washing only, with machine spinning in a laundry bag to remove excess water before flat drying to protect the beads from damage.