Sadie - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - Downloadable PDF

Sadie Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Debbie Bliss – Detailed Pattern Summary

The Sadie Cardigan is a sophisticated women's knitting pattern designed by Debbie Bliss, available as a downloadable PDF. This pattern is rated advanced in difficulty and is worked in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn, a premium yarn well-suited to the intricate colorwork and construction techniques featured in this design. The finished garment is a beautifully detailed cardigan that combines classic shaping with decorative stranded colorwork, making it a rewarding project for experienced knitters looking to expand their skills.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Sadie Cardigan is designed to fit a range of bust sizes, offering three size options:

• 82–92 cm (32–36 in)
• 97–107 cm (38–42 in)
• 117–127 cm (44–48 in)

The finished bust measurements are 117 cm (46 in), 132 cm (52 in), and 148 cm (58¼ in) respectively, providing generous ease for a relaxed, comfortable fit. The garment length is 76 cm (30 in), and the sleeve length, with the cuff turned back, measures 42 cm (16½ in). These dimensions make the Sadie Cardigan a substantial, wearable piece suitable for everyday wear or as a statement layering garment.

Construction and Techniques

The Sadie Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat method, meaning the knitting begins at the lower edges of the body and sleeves and progresses upward, with pieces worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The finished pieces are then seamed together, a traditional approach that produces a structured, tailored result. Seaming techniques such as mattress stitch are typically used in this style of construction to join the shoulders, side seams, and sleeve seams neatly.

A key feature of the Sadie Cardigan is its use of stranded colorwork, a technique in which two or more yarn colors are carried across the wrong side of the fabric simultaneously, creating patterned motifs on the right side. The PDF includes multiple charts — Charts 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 — to guide knitters through the colorwork sections. Reading direction for these charts varies depending on the section being worked:

• For Charts 2a, 2b, and 3, right side rows are read from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right.
• For Chart 1, wrong side rows are read from right to left and right side rows from left to right.

When working the collar and sleeves, the fabric is reversed, so purl stitches are worked on right side rows and knit stitches on wrong side rows, as specified in the instructions. This reversal creates a turned-back cuff and collar effect that adds a refined finishing detail to the garment.

Stranded colorwork requires knitters to carry the yarn not currently in use loosely across the wrong side of the fabric, forming floats. Managing float tension is essential to ensure the finished fabric lies flat and retains its elasticity. Knitters working on the Sadie Cardigan should be comfortable with this technique before beginning the colorwork sections.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates a variety of stitches and techniques that contribute to its advanced difficulty rating:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the fabric throughout the garment.
• Garter stitch (g st) — achieved by knitting every row — is used in specific sections to add texture and structure.
• Make one (m1) — an increase worked by picking up and knitting into the back of the loop lying between the stitch just worked and the next stitch — is used for shaping.
• Make one purlwise (m1p) — a variation where the lifted strand is purled — is also used in shaping sections.
• Decreases (dec) are worked throughout to shape