Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Bamboo DK - 4170 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Bamboo DK – Pattern 4170

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (King Cole pattern number 4170) provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a sweater (jumper), both knitted in King Cole Bamboo DK yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of adult sizes, from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in) chest, making it a versatile choice for knitters who want a garment that fits a broad spectrum of body sizes. Both designs share the same yarn and construction approach, offering a coordinated pair of patterns in a single downloadable PDF.

About the Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a classic, structured garment featuring front button bands and a neckband. The construction includes separately worked front edges with stitches picked up and knitted along the front opening — specifically, 76 [82:88:94:100] stitches evenly along the front edge and 8 stitches along the neckband, plus 9 stitches along the rib, giving a neat, professional finish. The neckline is shaped with decreases worked at the neck edge over multiple rows, producing a clean, tailored look. Stitches are placed on a stitch holder during neck shaping, which is a hallmark of careful, well-structured garment construction. The cardigan's fronts and back are worked in sections and then joined, with armhole and neck shaping achieved through standard decrease techniques.

The Sweater (Jumper)

The sweater shares the same yarn and tension as the cardigan and is worked to the same size range. As a pullover design, it omits the front opening and button bands, creating a simpler silhouette while retaining the same elegant stitch interest. Both garments are designed to be worn as everyday wardrobe staples, and the use of King Cole Bamboo DK gives them a lightweight, breathable quality that suits year-round wear.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted in King Cole Bamboo DK, a double knit weight yarn. Bamboo-blend yarns are well regarded for their natural softness, subtle sheen, and breathability, making them an excellent choice for garments worn close to the skin. The bamboo fibre content gives the finished fabric a fluid drape and a smooth surface that showcases stitch definition beautifully. Knitters will need DK weight needles appropriate to achieve the stated tension.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch. Achieving this tension is essential for the garment to knit up to the correct measurements across all sizes. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly — going up a needle size if the swatch is too tight, or down if it is too loose.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern makes use of a variety of knitting stitches and techniques suited to an intermediate-level knitter. These include:

• Stocking stitch — the primary fabric stitch used throughout both garments, creating a smooth knit face and a purl reverse
• Rib stitch — used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide elasticity and a neat edge finish
• Lace or decorative stitch pattern — the pattern includes a repeating stitch sequence involving yarn forward (yfwd), slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K2tog, psso), and K2tog, yfwd combinations, creating a textured or lace-effect panel within the fabric
• Decreases — including K2tog (knit two together) and s1, K1, psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping at armholes, necklines, and within stitch patterns
• Pick up and knit — used to create neat front bands and neckbands by picking up stitches evenly along finished edges
• Stitch holders — used during neck shaping to hold