Debbie Bliss Sidney Jacket Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Sidney Jacket

What is Being Made

The Sidney Jacket is a children's knitted cardigan designed by Debbie Bliss, available in three sizes to fit ages 6-8, 8-10, and 10-12 years. The finished chest measurements range from 75cm to 87cm (29½ to 34¼ inches), with length to shoulder varying from 34cm to 44cm (13½ to 17¼ inches) depending on size. This is a classic button-front cardigan with long sleeves, featuring a structured silhouette suitable for layering in children's wardrobes.

Techniques Used

The Sidney Jacket is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and sections are seamed together to create the finished garment. This construction method allows for precise shaping and the incorporation of various stitch patterns across different sections of the design.

The pattern employs Irish moss stitch with garter stitch edging on the front bands, creating textured ribbed edges that frame the cardigan opening. The body is worked primarily in stocking stitch, the fundamental knit fabric that provides a smooth, classic appearance. Shaping techniques include strategic cast-offs at armholes and shoulders to create proper garment fit and structure. The pattern also incorporates wrapped stitches, an advanced technique where yarn is wrapped around a stitch to create a seamless visual transition when working across different stitch patterns.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of all stitch patterns in this design
• Irish moss stitch creates the textured edging and front bands, formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence
• Garter stitch provides structure to the edges and helps prevent curling
• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) comprises the main body fabric, created by alternating rows of knit and purl
• Make one (m1) increases are used for shaping where needed
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decreases create tapered shaping
• Wrapped stitches allow seamless transitions between different stitch patterns

Materials and Specifications

The Sidney Jacket is designed to be worked in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn in the colorway Duck Egg 09, a soft, luxurious blend ideal for children's garments. The pattern requires 10, 11, or 12 balls of 50g depending on the chosen size, providing approximately 1,250 to 1,500 meters of yarn across all sizes.

Three sizes of knitting needles are required: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuffs and edging, 3.75mm (US 5) needles for transition work, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving proper fit.

Additional notions include a 30 to 40cm open wrap zip fastener (depending on size) as the primary closure, along with one popper fastening for secure closure at the neckline. These fasteners provide both functionality and a polished finish to the completed jacket.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and multiple stitch patterns. The combination of Irish moss stitch edging, stocking stitch body, wrapped stitches, and precise armhole and shoulder shaping requires attention to detail and understanding of garment construction principles.