Cardigan and Waistcoat in King Cole Big Value Chunky - 4700 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Waistcoat in King Cole Big Value Chunky – Pattern 4700

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from King Cole offers two classic designs in one downloadable PDF: a Cardigan and a Waistcoat, both knitted in King Cole Big Value Chunky yarn. The patterns are sized to fit chest measurements of 51–76 cm (20–30 in), making them suitable for children or smaller adult sizes. Because both garments are worked in chunky weight yarn, they knit up quickly and are an excellent choice for knitters looking to build confidence with shaping and cable techniques at an intermediate level.

About the Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a structured, cosy garment designed to be knitted in King Cole Big Value Chunky yarn. Working at a chunky gauge means the fabric grows rapidly on the needles, and the finished piece has a satisfying weight and warmth. As an intermediate project, the cardigan incorporates both textural stitch patterns and cable detailing, giving it visual interest beyond a plain stocking stitch construction. Shaping is used throughout to create a well-fitted silhouette, including increases and decreases at key points such as armholes and necklines.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless companion piece, sharing the same yarn and gauge as the cardigan. Its construction omits the sleeves, making it a slightly simpler project while still requiring attention to armhole shaping and neckline finishing. The waistcoat is an ideal layering piece and can be worn over shirts or lighter knitwear. Like the cardigan, it benefits from the speed and tactile pleasure of working with chunky yarn.

Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern make use of a range of knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate knitter. These include:

• Ribbing – A 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 repeated) is used, most commonly for welts, cuffs, and neckbands. This stretchy edging gives the garments a neat, professional finish and helps them retain their shape at the edges.
• Cable knitting – The pattern features cable stitches worked with a cable needle (CN). Specifically, C4B (Cable 4 Back) is used, which involves slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at the back of the work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a classic twisted rope cable effect.
• T3B (Twist 3 Back) – Another cable technique featured in the pattern, this involves slipping 1 stitch onto a cable needle held at the back of the work, knitting 2 stitches, then working the stitch from the cable needle. This creates a diagonal twist that adds movement and texture to the fabric.
• Increasing and decreasing – Standard shaping methods are used throughout both garments to form armholes, necklines, and any waist or body shaping.
• Working from a tension swatch – The pattern emphasises achieving the correct tension before beginning, which is an important intermediate skill. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if their stitch count differs from the stated tension.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental knit stitch, used throughout both garments.
• Purl (P) – Used in ribbing and as the background to cable panels.
• 2x2 Rib – Alternating knit 2 and purl 2 stitches across the row, creating a stretchy, structured edging.
• C4B (Cable 4 Back) – A four-stitch cable crossing worked over a cable needle, producing a bold rope cable.
• T3B (Twist 3 Back) – A three-stitch twist worked with a cable needle held at the back, creating a diagonal textural detail.
• Yarn Round Needle (yrn) – Used where specified, typically to create a small eyelet or as part of a decorative or functional increase.

Materials

Both the cardigan and waistcoat are designed to be knitted in King Cole Big Value