Cardigans in King Cole Cottonsoft Candy DK - 5123pdf - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Cottonsoft Candy DK Cardigans – Pattern 5123: Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole presents a collection of knitted cardigans worked in King Cole Cottonsoft Candy DK yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, the pattern covers chest sizes ranging from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 inches), making it suitable for children. The leaflet number is 5123, and for every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

Designs Included

Round Neck Cardigan

The pattern features a Round Neck Cardigan as one of the primary designs. This classic children's cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — back, right front, left front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. A neckband is picked up and worked after the shoulder seams are joined, giving the finished garment a neat, tidy neckline.

The construction follows a traditional bottom-up approach, beginning with ribbed welts and cuffs before transitioning into the main body fabric. Shaping is worked at the shoulders and sleeve tops to create a well-fitted silhouette appropriate for everyday children's wear.

Techniques and Construction Details

The cardigans make use of a combination of stitch patterns and construction techniques that place them firmly in the intermediate skill category. Knitters working this pattern should be comfortable with ribbing, cable techniques, and following multi-row pattern repeats.

• Thumb method cast-on is specified throughout, used when beginning the back, fronts, and sleeves.
• Rib fabric forms the welts and cuffs, worked over a 2×2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) for multiple rows to create an elastic, stretchy border.
• Cable pattern is incorporated into the main body fabric, adding textural interest and visual detail to the garment.
• Ridge pattern is also used as a contrast stitch pattern within the design.
• Cable techniques include two special abbreviations: C6B (slip 3 stitches to a cable needle held at the back, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle) and C6F (slip 3 stitches to a cable needle held at the front, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle). These create classic six-stitch rope cables twisting to the right or left respectively.
• Shoulder shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of right-side and wrong-side rows in sequence, creating a stepped shoulder line.
• Sleeve top shaping involves casting off stitches progressively at the beginning of successive rows to form the sleeve cap.
• Neckband is worked by joining both shoulder seams first, then picking up stitches around the neck edge to complete the round neck finish.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the fundamental stitches forming all pattern fabrics
• 2×2 Rib — alternating knit 2, purl 2 for borders and cuffs
• Cable pattern — six-stitch cables worked using a cable needle, in both back-cross (C6B) and front-cross (C6F) variations
• Ridge pattern — a textured stitch pattern providing contrast to the cable sections
• Yarn round needle (yrn) — referenced in the abbreviations, indicating use in lace or eyelet detailing within the pattern
• Increases (inc) and decreases (dec) — used throughout for shaping at armholes, sleeves, and shoulders

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies two tension measurements:

• 25 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over the cable pattern
• 20 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm (4