Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole Riot Chunky - 4716 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole Riot Chunky – Pattern 4716

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a Cardigan and a Waistcoat, both knitted in the popular King Cole Riot Chunky yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, from 71 cm to 117 cm (28 in to 46 in), making it suitable for a broad spectrum of body measurements. Both garments share the same yarn and needle specifications, allowing knitters to work either project from a single pattern purchase.

About the Designs

The Cardigan is a full-length-sleeved, open-front garment offering warmth and versatility. The Waistcoat is a sleeveless alternative, ideal for layering or for warmer conditions. Both designs are worked in a classic construction style suited to the chunky weight yarn, resulting in a satisfying knit that works up relatively quickly compared to lighter-weight projects. Despite being labelled Easy Knit on the pattern cover, the product listing categorises this as an advanced level pattern, so some prior knitting experience is recommended to achieve the best results.

Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric that showcases the colour variation of Riot Chunky yarn beautifully.
• 2x2 Rib: Ribbing is used for borders, cuffs, and edgings, providing elasticity and a neat, professional finish. This technique involves alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across the row.
• Cabling: The pattern includes cable work, requiring a cable needle (CN). Cables add textural interest and a traditional handcrafted quality to the design. The pattern notes that 3 stitches are allowed for each cable, which is an important consideration when checking tension and sizing.
• Shaping: Both garments involve standard garment shaping techniques including increasing and decreasing stitches to form armholes, necklines, and sleeve tapers, giving each piece a well-fitted, structured silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the foundational stitches used throughout both garments
• Stocking Stitch — the primary body fabric
• 2x2 Rib — for edgings and borders
• Cable Stitch — worked over a specified number of stitches using a cable needle
• Increases and Decreases — for garment shaping throughout

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch. It is essential to knit a tension square before beginning either garment. If your tension does not match, adjust your needle size accordingly — fewer stitches than stated means your tension is too loose and you should switch to finer needles, while more stitches indicates tighter tension requiring larger needles. Note: the cable sections have their own stitch allowance, so tension should be checked over plain stocking stitch as instructed.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

• Yarn: King Cole Riot Chunky — a chunky weight yarn known for its vibrant, self-striping colourways that create eye-catching tonal effects without the need for colour changes. The multicoloured nature of Riot Chunky means each finished garment has a unique appearance.
• Needles: 6 mm knitting needles are specified, or the size required to achieve the correct tension. A cable needle is also required for the cable sections of the pattern.

Additional Notes

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, meaning it can be accessed immediately after purchase and printed or viewed