Ladies Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Autumn Chunky - 5813 - Downloadable PDF

Ladies Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Autumn Chunky

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole provides instructions for knitting ladies cardigans in a range of sizes from 81cm to 127cm (32 to 50 inches). The pattern offers multiple cardigan designs suitable for intermediate-level knitters, making it an accessible project for those with some knitting experience who want to create a versatile layering piece.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project that uses fundamental knitting techniques combined with shaping methods. The pattern employs stocking stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, classic appearance ideal for cardigans. Ribbed sections are incorporated using k2, p2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 rib), a common technique for creating stretchy, fitted edges at cuffs, hem, and button bands that provide shape retention and comfort.

Shaping techniques used throughout the pattern include increases and decreases to create the fitted silhouette characteristic of well-constructed cardigans. The pattern uses the M1 (make one stitch) method for increases, which involves picking up the horizontal strand lying between stitches to create new stitches invisibly. Working stitches through the back of the loop (tbl) is also employed for specific shaping or edge details.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch creating the front loops of stocking stitch
• Purl stitch (p) – the reverse stitch used in ribbed sections and stocking stitch construction
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows
• K2, p2 rib – ribbed edging for cuffs, waistbands, and button bands
• Make one stitch (M1) – invisible increase technique for shaping
• Decrease (dec) – reduction of stitches for fitted shaping

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with King Cole Autumn Chunky yarn, a chunky-weight yarn that creates quick, satisfying projects with excellent drape and warmth. The pattern requires 6mm needles for working the main stocking stitch fabric and 5mm needles (or the size needed to achieve correct tension) for the ribbed sections, which are worked at a tighter gauge.

Tension is critical for achieving the correct finished size. The pattern specifies 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 6mm needles, and 18 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over k2, p2 rib on 5mm needles. Knitters must check their tension before beginning; using thinner needles if achieving fewer stitches, or thicker needles if achieving more stitches, ensures the finished cardigan will be the correct size.

The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, allowing immediate access to full instructions and diagrams. As part of King Cole's charitable initiative, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern purchased.