Debbie Bliss Zaira Jacket Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Zaira Jacket

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Zaira Jacket is a striped cardigan designed for intermediate knitters. This garment is worked as a single piece from the underarm up to the neckline, with sleeves picked up and knitted separately. The jacket is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with finished bust measurements from 100 cm (39¼ in) to 132 cm (52½ in). The length to shoulder varies between 53 cm (21¾ in) for smaller sizes and 60 cm (23½ in) for larger sizes, while sleeve length is a consistent 46 cm (18 in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques suited to intermediate-level crafters. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, meaning rows are knitted back and forth rather than in the round. The construction method is seamed, with pieces joined together to create the finished jacket. A distinctive feature is the use of stripes, created by alternating between two yarn colors in a repeating pattern of 16 rows in one color followed by 16 rows in a contrasting color. Strategic increases are worked throughout the body using the kfb (knit into front and back) technique to shape the garment, with increases positioned at marked intervals to create shaping at the front edges and underarms.

Stitches Used

The Zaira Jacket is primarily constructed using garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is ideal for beginners progressing to intermediate projects. The pattern incorporates knit stitches as the main stitch throughout, with strategic increases using the kfb (knit into front and back) technique to add stitches for shaping. Stitch markers are placed at key points to help track increases and maintain pattern accuracy across the multiple size options.

Materials

The Zaira Jacket requires yarn in two coordinating colors from the Debbie Bliss Merion range. Depending on size, the pattern calls for 5 balls of Debbie Bliss Merion in Rose (color 04A) and 5 balls of Debbie Bliss Merion in Gold (color 04B), with each ball weighing 100g. The yarn is worked on 8 mm (US 11) circular knitting needles. The gauge is 12 stitches and 25 rows to a 10 cm (4 in) square when worked in garter stitch using 8 mm needles, making it essential to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all five size options.