Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole DK - 4250 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole DK Cardigan & Sweater Knitting Pattern (4250) – Detailed Summary

This King Cole pattern 4250 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic designs: a cardigan and a sweater (jumper), both knitted in King Cole DK (double knit) weight yarn. The pattern is rated at an intermediate difficulty level, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and are ready to tackle more structured garment construction. Sizes range from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in) chest, providing a broad fit range for adults.

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Garments Included

Cardigan

The cardigan is a classic open-front garment knitted in King Cole DK yarn. As with the sweater, it features raglan shaping, a construction method where the sleeves and body are joined and decreased simultaneously from the underarm to the neckline, creating a smooth, diagonal seam line rather than a traditional set-in sleeve. Raglan construction is a popular choice for its comfortable fit and satisfying knitting process, as the shaping is worked gradually over many rows.

Sweater (Jumper)

The sweater is a pullover design, also worked in King Cole DK yarn with the same raglan sleeve construction. Like the cardigan, it is sized from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm, offering versatility across a wide range of adult sizes.

Techniques Used

• Raglan shaping: Both garments feature raglan construction, with decreases worked at set intervals to shape the armhole and sleeve head simultaneously. The pattern notes a specific tension of 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) for the raglan sections, highlighting the importance of accurate row tension in achieving the correct garment proportions.
• Increasing and decreasing: Standard garment shaping techniques are used throughout, including decrease and increase methods to shape the body, sleeves, and raglan lines.
• Slip stitch decreases: The abbreviation s1, k1, psso (slip one stitch knitways, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) is referenced, a common left-leaning decrease used in shaping.
• Working through back of loop (tbl): Referenced in the abbreviations, this technique is used for twisted stitches or specific decrease methods.
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Used to create decorative eyelets or as part of stitch pattern construction.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The main fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — producing a smooth, classic finish. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch.
• Knit (K) and Purl (P): The fundamental stitches forming the basis of all fabric sections.
• Slip stitch (sl): Used within decrease sequences.

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole DK (double knit) weight yarn is specified for both designs. DK weight is a versatile, medium-light yarn that knits up relatively quickly while still producing a neat, defined fabric — ideal for structured garments such as cardigans and sweaters.
• Needles: 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles are recommended to achieve the correct tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch. As with all knitting patterns, knitters are advised to swatch and adjust needle size if necessary — moving to a finer needle if fewer stitches than stated are achieved per 10 cm.

Tension & Sizing Notes

Achieving the correct tension is essential for