Debbie Bliss Stevie Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Stevie Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Stevie is a knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements from 86cm to 107cm (34 to 42 inches). This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated construction with a finished bust measurement ranging from 90cm to 110cm (35½ to 43¼ inches) and a length to back neck between 50cm and 57cm (19¾ to 22½ inches). The pattern is available in five size options, making it suitable for a range of body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Stevie sweater employs several advanced knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The construction method is bottom-up, meaning the sweater is knitted from the lower edge upward, with pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the complete garment. This approach allows for precise shaping and detailed stitch work.

Cable knitting is a prominent feature of this design, particularly in the left side cable panel. The pattern includes specific cable techniques such as C4B (cable 4 back) and C4F (cable 4 front), which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle and crossing them over other stitches to create the characteristic twisted rope effect. These cable panels add both textural depth and visual sophistication to the finished sweater.

Lace is incorporated into the design, adding an elegant, openwork element that contrasts with the denser cable sections. The combination of cables and lace creates a balanced aesthetic that works for both casual and dressier occasions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Stevie sweater utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic patterns:

• Stocking stitch (st st) forms the main fabric body, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Ribbing appears in the cuff sections, worked using alternating knit and purl stitches (K1 tbl, p1) to create elastic edges that hold the garment close to the body
• Cable panels are formed using the four-stitch cable crosses mentioned above, creating raised twisted columns
• Decrease stitches including skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) and k2tog (knit two together) are used for shaping, particularly in the front piece where decreases create a tapered silhouette
• Slip stitches and pass over techniques (such as s2togkpo) contribute to the lace sections and decorative shaping

Materials and Tools

The Stevie sweater is worked using Debbie Bliss Piper yarn in the Snow 01 colorway. The pattern requires 4 to 5 balls of 100g yarn depending on the size being knitted, providing approximately 400 to 500 grams of yarn for the complete garment.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required for this project. The ribbed sections at cuffs and edges are worked on 3.25mm (US 3) needles, which are smaller and create the tight, elastic texture needed for these areas. The main body, sleeves, and cable panels are worked on 4mm (US 6) needles, which are slightly larger and accommodate the stocking stitch and cable patterns at the correct gauge.

A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses throughout the design. Additionally, stitch holders and spare needles are used to hold stitches during construction, particularly when joining pieces or working the front and back sections separately.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working over the stitch patterns using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the garment to fit properly at the specified measurements.

The back piece is cast on with 102 to 126 stitches depending on size, worked in stocking stitch for 70 to 66 rows, with markers placed to indicate important shaping points. The front piece includes strategic decreases that shape the neckline and create a fitted silhouette. The sleeves are worked separately and seamed in place, with the