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

Sandness Women's Stranded Colorwork Cardigan Knitting Pattern in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK

The Sandness is a beautifully crafted women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by Debbie Bliss and worked in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn. This sophisticated, Scandinavian-inspired design brings together rich stranded colorwork and bold stripe sequences to create a statement garment with a timeless, artisan aesthetic. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated advanced in difficulty, making it an ideal project for experienced knitters ready to take on a multi-color, technically engaging construction.

What Is Being Made

The Sandness pattern produces a women's cardigan worked in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 82–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in). The finished bust measurements span 95 cm to 137 cm, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. The length to shoulder ranges from 49 cm to 56 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length is a consistent 45 cm (17¾ in). The result is a classic, wearable cardigan with structured proportions and a vibrant, multi-color palette.

Construction and Techniques

The Sandness cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edges of the body and sleeves and works upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat, meaning the pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, and then seamed together — a traditional construction approach well suited to colorwork cardigans.

• Stranded colorwork: The defining technique of this pattern, stranded knitting involves carrying multiple yarn colors across a row, picking up each color as needed to form intricate repeating motifs. This creates a fabric with beautiful patterned detail on the right side and neat floats on the wrong side. Managing yarn tension across floats is key to achieving an even, professional finish.
• Stripes: In addition to stranded sections, the pattern incorporates stripe sequences, adding horizontal bands of color that complement and frame the more complex colorwork panels.
• Buttonholes: The front bands include worked buttonholes, a detail that requires careful placement and neat execution to ensure a tidy, functional finish. The pattern also calls for buttons as a finishing component.
• Increases: The pattern uses specific increase methods including m1 (make one) by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches, as well as standard shaping techniques throughout.

Stitches Used

The Sandness cardigan draws on a focused set of knitting stitches and techniques that combine to produce its structured, colorful fabric:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary fabric stitch, worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface ideal for showcasing colorwork.
• Knit (k) and Purl (p): The foundational stitches used throughout the pattern for both fabric and ribbed edgings.
• skpo: Slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass the slipped stitch over — a left-leaning decrease used in shaping.
• tog (together): Used in decrease combinations such as k2tog for right-leaning shaping.
• y2rn (yarn twice round needle): A double yarn-over technique, likely used in the buttonhole construction to create a neat, stable opening.
• m1 (make one): An increase stitch worked by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back of it to avoid a hole.
• Pattern (patt): Sections of the design are worked in established colorwork or stripe pattern sequences as set out in the chart or written instructions.

Materials Required

This pattern is specifically designed for Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, a premium yarn known for its smooth finish, stitch definition, and suitability for colorwork. Rialto DK is