Sideways Cable Top - Knitting Pattern for Women in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran by Debbie Bliss

Sideways Cable Top – Knitting Pattern for Women by Debbie Bliss in Cashmerino Aran

The Sideways Cable Top is a sophisticated women's knitted top designed by Debbie Bliss and worked in her signature Cashmerino Aran yarn. What makes this design immediately distinctive is its construction direction: rather than being knitted from the bottom hem upward in the conventional way, the pieces are worked sideways, meaning stitches run horizontally across the body. This clever approach gives the bold cable panels a striking vertical orientation when the garment is worn, creating a visually elongating and architectural effect that sets this top apart from standard cable knitwear.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is graded across seven sizes, making it accessible to a wide range of body types. The sizes are designed to fit the following chest measurements:

• 76–81 cm (30–32 in)
• 86–92 cm (34–36 in)
• 97–102 cm (38–40 in)
• 107–112 cm (42–44 in)
• 117–122 cm (46–48 in)
• 127–132 cm (50–52 in)
• 137–142 cm (54–56 in)

The finished chest measurements range from 100 cm (39¼ in) up to 160 cm (63 in), incorporating positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The length to shoulder spans 49 cm (19¼ in) for the smallest size up to 55 cm (21¾ in) for the largest, keeping the silhouette neat and wearable across all sizes.

Construction and Techniques

This is a seamed, flat-knitted pattern, meaning each piece is worked back and forth on straight or circular needles and then joined together using seaming techniques. Knitters who enjoy the structure and precision of traditional garment construction will appreciate this approach, as seams add stability and help the cables retain their crisp definition. The sideways working direction is the defining construction technique here — knitters cast on enough stitches to span the full length of the garment and work outward to the desired width, rather than casting on for the width and working upward.

The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty, reflecting the complexity of managing multiple cable crossings simultaneously while also working in an unconventional construction direction. Knitters new to cables or garment construction may wish to build experience with simpler cable projects before attempting this design.

Cable Stitches and Techniques Used

Cables are the heart of this design, and the pattern employs a range of cable crossing techniques using a cable needle. The following cable abbreviations are defined within the pattern:

• C8B – Slip the next 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 4, then knit 4 from the cable needle. This creates a right-leaning 8-stitch cable cross.
• C8F – Slip the next 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the front of the work, knit 4, then knit 4 from the cable needle. This creates a left-leaning 8-stitch cable cross.
• C12B – Slip the next 6 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 6, then knit 6 from the cable needle. A bold right-leaning 12-stitch cable cross.
• C12F – Slip the next 6 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the front of the work, knit 6, then knit 6 from the cable needle. A bold left-leaning 12-stitch cable cross.

The combination of 8-stitch and 12-stitch cable crossings produces a richly textured, deeply dimensional fabric. These are substantial cables that create a pronounced rope or plait effect, giving the finished top a luxurious, high-fashion appearance. The interplay of C8B, C8F, C12B, and C12F cables worked across