Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky - 4244 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Waistcoat Knitting Pattern in King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky – Pattern 4244

This King Cole pattern 4244 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic knitwear designs: a chunky cardigan and a chunky waistcoat (sleeveless vest). Both garments are knitted in King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky yarn, making them ideal for knitters who love bold, multicoloured textures with the satisfying speed of chunky-weight knitting. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and a small selection of techniques beyond plain knitting and purling.

A purchase of this pattern contributes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, as part of King Cole's ongoing charitable commitment.

Sizes Covered

Both the cardigan and the waistcoat are available in a generous range of sizes, spanning 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (approximately 28/30 in to 44/46 in) chest measurements. This inclusive size range makes the pattern accessible for a wide variety of body shapes and fits.

The Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The cardigan is a classic open-front knitted jacket worked in chunky yarn. The design features a structured body with set-in or straightforward shaped sleeves and a neat ribbed finish. The multicolour nature of the King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky yarn means the colour patterning develops naturally as you knit, without the need for complex colourwork techniques such as intarsia or Fair Isle.

Techniques Used

• Shaping: Increasing and decreasing stitches are used to shape the body panels, armholes, and sleeve head, giving the cardigan a tailored silhouette.
• Wrapping stitches: The pattern uses a Wrap 1 technique, which involves slipping the next stitch onto the right needle — a method commonly used in short-row shaping or decorative detailing.
• Ribbing: A 2x2 Rib is used for welts, cuffs, and borders, providing elasticity and a tidy, professional finish at the edges.
• Stocking Stitch: The main body fabric is worked in Stocking Stitch (St-St), alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the multicolour yarn beautifully.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib: Row 1: *K2, P2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2. Worked as a flat rib for borders and cuffs.
• Stocking Stitch: Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Repeated throughout the main fabric sections.
• Wrap 1: Slip the next stitch onto the right needle as specified within the pattern instructions.
• Standard knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the foundation of all sections.

Materials

The cardigan is knitted using King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky yarn. The recommended needle size is 6mm (US 10) knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct tension. The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over Stocking Stitch. Knitters are advised to check their tension swatch carefully: if fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, switch to a finer needle.

The Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The waistcoat is a sleeveless knitted vest, offering a versatile layering piece that can be worn over shirts, blouses, or lighter knitwear. Like the cardigan, it takes full advantage of the self-striping and colour-changing properties of King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky, producing an eye-catching result with minimal effort. The waistcoat is worked