Debbie Bliss Three Colour Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Three Colour Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Three Colour Cardigan is a knitted cardigan featuring a multi-coloured design using three distinct yarn shades. This garment is worked in a classic cardigan silhouette with button-front closure and long sleeves. The design is available in seven size options, ranging from chest measurements of 77-82 cm (30-32 in) through to 137-142 cm (54-56 in), with finished chest measurements from 99 cm (39 in) to 167 cm (66 in). The cardigan length varies by size from 49 cm to 61 cm (19¼ to 24 in) from cast-on edge to shoulder, while the sleeve length remains consistent at 44 cm (17¼ in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using the bottom-up method, meaning pieces are knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished cardigan. The construction begins with ribbed edges at the cuffs and hem for elasticity and structure. The main body is worked in stocking stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a smooth, uniform fabric. Raglan shaping is incorporated at the armholes, with strategic decreases worked on alternating rows to create the characteristic sloped raglan seams that extend from underarm to neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this cardigan is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which alternates knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to create a smooth, flat fabric. Ribbing is used for the hem and cuff edges, combining knit and purl stitches in alternating columns to provide stretch and recovery. Decreases are achieved using skpo (slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) and k2tog (knit two stitches together) techniques, which are worked symmetrically on either side of the raglan lines to create balanced, professional-looking shaping. The pattern also incorporates m1 (make one) increases for selective shaping where needed. Additional stitch techniques include y2rn (yarn twice round needle), which creates decorative eyelets or textured elements within the design.

Materials

This pattern uses Debbie Bliss Nell yarn in three coordinating colours: Corn 12 (colour A), Sunset 11 (colour B), and Rose 09 (colour C). Yarn quantities vary by size, with the main colour (Corn) requiring 4 to 7 balls of 50g (1¾ oz) depending on size, while the two accent colours (Sunset and Rose) each require 2 to 3 balls. The pattern calls for two pairs of needles: 5mm (US 8) needles for the ribbed edges and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main body. The gauge is established at 14 stitches and 20 rows to a 10 cm (4 in) square when working stocking stitch on the 6mm needles. The cardigan is finished with 6 buttons for the front closure.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the fundamental techniques—ribbing, stocking stitch, and basic decreases—are accessible to knitters with foundational skills, the multi-piece construction, raglan shaping, and colour work coordination require intermediate-level understanding of garment assembly and shaping principles.