Natalya Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK

Natalya Cardigan – Knitting Pattern for Women by Debbie Bliss

The Natalya Cardigan is a sophisticated, cable-enriched women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by Debbie Bliss and worked in Rialto DK yarn. This is a seamed, flat-knit, bottom-up construction pattern released in 2023, offering a classic and structured finish that appeals to knitters who appreciate traditional tailoring techniques combined with elegant textural detail.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's fitted or semi-fitted cardigan with set-in or structured sleeves and a defined cable panel design. It is sized across a wide range to fit chest measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) through to 142–147 cm (56–58 in), making it inclusive across seven size options. Finished chest measurements range from 104 cm (41 in) up to 170 cm (67 in), providing positive ease for a comfortable, wearable fit. The back length to the neck ranges from 53 cm (21 in) to 65 cm (25½ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length with the cuff turned up is a consistent 40 cm (15¾ in) across all sizes.

Construction Techniques

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, a traditional approach that allows knitters to adjust length easily before committing to the armhole shaping.
• Worked flat (back and forth in rows): All pieces are knitted flat on straight or circular needles, meaning the fabric is turned at the end of each row rather than worked in the round.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and two sleeves — are sewn together after knitting, producing neat, structured seams that give the cardigan its tailored silhouette.
• Cable knitting: Prominent cable panels are a defining feature of the Natalya Cardigan, adding rich three-dimensional texture to the fabric.

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a combination of classic and more advanced knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The foundational fabric stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat surface.
• C6B (Cable 6 Back): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a right-leaning cable twist.
• C6F (Cable 6 Front): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit the remaining stitches from the cable needle. This produces a left-leaning cable twist.
• M1 (Make One): An increase stitch worked by picking up the bar between stitches and knitting into it, used to shape the garment smoothly.
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used in shaping sections such as armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps.
• Wrap 1: A short-row or turning technique worked on knit-side rows involving a yarn-forward movement before slipping a stitch, used to create neat, gap-free turns in shaped sections.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed specifically for Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, a premium DK (double knitting) weight yarn. Rialto DK is a well-regarded yarn known for its smooth, mercerised finish and excellent stitch definition — qualities that make it particularly well suited to showcasing intricate cable work. Knitters will need a cable needle in addition to their standard knitting needles appropriate for DK weight yarn.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated advanced, making it best suited to experienced knitters