Debbie Bliss Twist Front Shrug Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Twist Front Shrug

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Twist Front Shrug is a children's bolero-style cardigan designed to fit ages 2 through 6 years. This lightweight shrug features a distinctive twist front construction with shaped sleeves and is worked in a classic pullover style with a front opening. The garment includes finished measurements ranging from 26cm (10¼ inches) width across the back for the smallest size up to 30cm (12 inches) for the largest size, with corresponding length and sleeve measurements that increase proportionally across the four size options.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The construction involves several key techniques including increases using the make-one method (m1), decreases using the slip-knit-pass-over decrease (skpo), and strategic shaping to create the fitted shrug silhouette. The pattern incorporates garter stitch edging on the front bands combined with stockinette stitch for the main body, creating textural contrast. Pieces are worked separately and then joined together, with careful attention to maintaining consistent tension and stitch counts throughout the shaping sequences.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the main body of the shrug, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Garter stitch: Used for the front bands and edge details, providing structure and preventing curling
• Make-one increase (m1): Worked by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches, used for shaping increases
• Slip-knit-pass-over decrease (skpo): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping the front sections
• Knit and purl stitches: Combined to create the textured edge pattern (k3, p to last 3 sts, k3)

Materials

This project uses Debbie Bliss Angel yarn in the color Ruby 44. The yarn requirement is 1 to 2 balls of 25g (7/8 oz) depending on the size being knitted, with the smallest size requiring just 1 ball and larger sizes requiring 2 balls. The project calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body work. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square worked in stockinette stitch using 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.