Debbie Bliss Selene Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Selene Striped Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Selene is a knitted sweater designed by Debbie Bliss, available in seven sizes to fit chest measurements from 81-86cm (32-34 inches) up to 142-147cm (56-58 inches). The finished garment features a classic pullover construction with finished chest measurements ranging from 120cm to 182cm (47¼ to 71¾ inches) and length measurements from 62cm to 72cm (24½ to 28¼ inches). The sweater includes long sleeves with a consistent length of 44cm (17¼ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques and Construction

The Selene sweater is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment. This construction method allows for precise shaping and is characteristic of traditional sweater design. The pattern incorporates a striped colorwork technique that alternates between two yarn colors throughout the body of the sweater, creating visual interest while maintaining the simplicity of flat knitting.

The sweater features neck shaping that is worked using decreases to create a fitted neckline. Shoulder shaping is also included to ensure proper fit at the top of the garment. The pattern uses various decrease techniques including skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) and k2tog (knit two together) to achieve the necessary shaping throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The Selene is primarily constructed using stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which is the fundamental stitch throughout the entire sweater. Stocking stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. This classic stitch is ideal for showcasing the striped colorwork pattern and provides a refined, professional finish to the completed garment.

The pattern also incorporates purl stitches as part of the stocking stitch construction, as well as various decrease stitches for shaping the neck and shoulders. These decreases are worked through the back loop in some instances to create a neat, finished appearance.

Materials and Yarn

The Selene is designed to be knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn. The pattern requires two colors: Ecru 2 (Color A) and Camel 67 (Color B). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 10 to 18 balls of 50g (1¾oz) in the main color (Ecru 2) and 4 to 7 balls in the contrast color (Camel 67).

The pattern is worked using two pairs of knitting needles: 3.25mm (US 3) needles and 4mm (US 6) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings or cuffs, while the larger 4mm needles are used for the main body of the sweater. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square when working stocking stitch using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished sweater matches the intended measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of flat knitting, seaming, striped colorwork, and shaping techniques requires competency in multiple areas of knitting construction, but the straightforward stocking stitch base keeps the pattern accessible to those ready to develop their skills further.