Harper - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Piper

Harper Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Harper cardigan is a women's knitting pattern designed by Debbie Bliss, featuring a classic construction with decorative cable details. This intermediate-level project is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed together, making it an excellent choice for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable work and garment assembly.

Finished Measurements

The Harper cardigan is available in four sizes to fit bust measurements of 76-81 cm (30-32 in), 86-92 cm (34-36 in), 97-102 cm (38-40 in), and 107-112 cm (42-44 in). Finished bust measurements range from 92 cm (36¼ in) to 131 cm (51¾ in), with length to shoulder varying from 71 cm (28 in) to 78 cm (30¾ in). Sleeve length ranges from 44 cm (17¼ in) to 48 cm (19 in) depending on size.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several key techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy length adjustments and intuitive sizing as you progress through the garment.
• Worked Flat: Pieces are created on straight needles rather than in the round, with edges that will be seamed together during finishing.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are sewn together to create the finished garment, requiring basic seaming skills.
• Cable Work: Decorative cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design, created using cable needles to cross groups of stitches over one another.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Harper pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the pattern, creating stockinette stitch fabric and textured elements.
• Cable Stitches: Two primary cable crosses are used: C10B (cable 10 back) and C10F (cable 10 front). C10B involves slipping 5 stitches onto a cable needle, holding it at the back of the work, knitting the next 5 stitches, then knitting the 5 stitches from the cable needle. C10F reverses this process with the cable needle held to the front, creating the opposite cable twist.
• Increases and Decreases: The pattern includes m1 (make one) increases worked by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches, and skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) decreases for shaping.

Materials Required

The Harper cardigan is designed to be knitted in Debbie Bliss Piper, a DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for 8 to 11 balls of 100g each in the main color Blush 01, with the exact yardage depending on the size selected. One 50g ball of Snow 01 is included as a contrasting color. Knitting needles required include a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) straight needles for the main pieces and a 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle measuring 80cm (32 in) or longer, likely for neckline finishing. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches throughout the design.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Characteristics

Debbie Bliss Piper is a DK (double knitting) weight yarn, which produces a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for fitted cardigans. This weight allows the cable details to show clearly while maintaining a garment that is neither too heavy nor too delicate.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Harper cardigan assumes knitters are comfortable with basic stitches and garment construction. The cable work and seaming requirements elevate this pattern beyond beginner level, making it ideal for knitters seeking to develop their technical skills while creating a wearable, professional-looking garment.