Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Drifter 4ply - 5383pdf - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Drifter 4ply

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole provides instructions for knitting a coordinating cardigan and sweater set. The designs are suitable for intermediate knitters and are available in multiple sizes, ranging from 71/76 cm (28/30 inches) through to 112/117 cm (44/46 inches), making them accessible for various body measurements.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted using King Cole Drifter 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The pattern requires 3.25mm knitting needles or the size necessary to achieve the correct tension. Knitters should verify their needle size during the initial gauge swatch, as tension is critical to achieving the proper fit across the size range offered.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch, and 30 stitches and 38 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over textured patterns. Knitters should measure their gauge carefully before beginning; if fewer stitches appear in the 10cm measurement, a finer needle should be used, and if more stitches appear, a larger needle is recommended.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The garments feature a combination of fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The pattern also incorporates textured patterns that add visual interest and dimension to specific sections of the cardigan and sweater.

Key techniques employed throughout the pattern include:

• Increasing and decreasing stitches to shape the garment pieces, including armholes, necklines, and waistlines
• Slipped stitches used for selvage edges and decorative elements
• Knit and purl combinations to create the textured pattern sections
• Ribbing at cuffs, hems, and button bands for elasticity and a finished appearance

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including K (knit), P (purl), inc (increase), dec (decrease), rep (repeat), and other common shorthand notation to provide clear, concise instructions for each step of construction.

Pattern Format and Support

This is a downloadable PDF pattern, allowing immediate access for digital reference while knitting. Each King Cole pattern purchase includes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, supporting important charitable work.