Debbie Bliss Skylar Sweater and Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Skylar Sweater and Tank Top

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Skylar pattern provides instructions for creating two coordinating children's garments: a long-sleeved sweater and a sleeveless tank top. Both designs are sized to fit children ages 2 through 9 years, with finished chest measurements ranging from 66cm (26 inches) for the smallest size up to 81cm (31¾ inches) for the largest size. The sweater features set-in sleeves and finished lengths between 35cm and 39cm (13¾ to 15½ inches), while the tank top offers a sleeveless alternative in the same silhouette.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that employs fundamental knitting construction methods suitable for knitters with some experience. The garments are worked primarily in stocking stitch, a classic knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, uniform surface. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging at the lower body and cuffs, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. Shaping techniques are used to create fitted armholes and sleeve caps, requiring knitters to work decreases at strategic points. The sweater design includes set-in sleeves, a traditional construction method where the sleeve cap is shaped to fit smoothly into an armhole, rather than being worked in the round from the shoulder down.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the primary fabric texture
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create ribbed sections
• Stocking stitch (st st) – the main fabric throughout both garments, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows
• Ribbing (k1, p1) – elastic edging used at the lower band and sleeve cuffs to provide stretch and shape retention
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) – a left-leaning decrease stitch used for shaping
• Slip stitch (sl) – used in conjunction with other stitches for decreasing and shaping techniques

Materials

Both garments are knitted using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn, a luxury fiber blend available in five coordinating colorways. The sweater requires 4 to 5 balls of the main color (Kingfisher 72) depending on size, plus 1 ball each of four accent colors: Camel 102, Ecru 101, Mist 57, and Rose Pink 94. Each ball weighs 50g (1¾oz). The tank top uses slightly less yarn, requiring 3 to 4 balls of the main color with the same accent color requirements. Knitting is executed on 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main fabric, which produces a gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square in stocking stitch. 3mm (US 2-3) needles are used for the ribbed edging to create a tighter, more elastic band. The pattern also requires stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.