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

Aywick Women's Cardigan Knitting Pattern in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK

The Aywick is a sophisticated, stranded colorwork cardigan designed for women, published by Debbie Bliss in 2020 and available as a downloadable PDF. Rated as an advanced knitting project, this pattern delivers a richly patterned, fully seamed garment with a classic silhouette and striking multi-color detailing. It is worked flat in pieces and assembled with traditional seaming techniques, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced knitters looking to expand their colorwork skills.

Garment Overview and Sizing

The Aywick cardigan is sized to fit a bust measurement of 86–97 cm (34–38 in), 102–112 cm (40–44 in), and 117–127 cm (46–50 in). The finished bust measurements are generously cut at 113 cm (44½ in), 129 cm (50¾ in), and 144 cm (56¾ in) respectively, providing comfortable ease across all sizes. The length to shoulder ranges from 70 cm (27½ in) to 74 cm (29 in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is a consistent 45 cm (17¾ in) across all sizes.

Construction Techniques

The Aywick is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat method, meaning each main piece — the back, fronts, and sleeves — is knitted separately from the lower edge upward and then joined using traditional seaming. This approach gives the finished cardigan excellent structure and a clean, tailored finish. Key construction techniques include:

• Stranded colorwork: Multiple colors are carried across rows simultaneously, creating the pattern's distinctive multi-color design. This technique requires managing yarn tension carefully to keep the fabric smooth and even.
• Bottom-up construction: Pieces begin at the cast-on edge and are worked upward toward the shoulder, allowing shaping to be introduced progressively.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth on straight or circular needles, rather than in the round, which is typical for seamed garments.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces are sewn together after knitting, producing neat, durable seams.
• Buttonhole construction: The pattern includes instructions for creating buttonholes along the front band, with buttons used as the closure. A yarn twice round needle (y2rn) technique is referenced, which is commonly used to create neat, elongated buttonholes in knitted bands.

Stitches Used

The Aywick pattern incorporates a variety of stitches and techniques that contribute to its textural and visual interest:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary background fabric, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, providing a smooth canvas for the colorwork pattern.
• Garter stitch (g-st): Formed by knitting every row, garter stitch is typically used for borders, bands, or edging details to add texture and prevent curling.
• Stranded colorwork pattern (patt): A repeating multi-color stitch pattern worked across the body and/or sleeves, creating the signature decorative design of the cardigan.
• Make one increase (m1): A neat, nearly invisible increase worked by picking up and knitting into the back of the loop lying between stitches, used for shaping the sleeves and body.
• Skpo (sl 1, k1, pass slipped stitch over): A left-leaning decrease used in shaping sections of the garment.
• Yarn twice round needle (y2rn): Used in buttonhole construction to create a larger, more defined opening suitable for buttons.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm measured over the colorwork pattern using 4 mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in stranded colorwork, as carrying multiple