Slipover & Sweater in King Cole Fashion Aran Combo - 5080 - Downloadable PDF

Slipover & Sweater in King Cole Fashion Aran Combo – Pattern 5080

This King Cole pattern 5080 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic designs in one: a slipover (vest) and a sweater (jumper), both knitted in King Cole Fashion Aran Combo yarn. Rated as an advanced knitting pattern, it is ideal for experienced knitters who enjoy working intricate cable and textured stitch combinations. The pattern covers a wide range of chest sizes, from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making it suitable for a broad range of adult figures.

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About the Designs

The Slipover (Vest)

The slipover is a sleeveless garment featuring the same richly textured stitch panels as the sweater, making it a striking standalone piece or a versatile layering item. Its construction showcases the Centre Cable Panel prominently across the body, framed by moss stitch sections that provide a beautifully contrasting, nubbly texture. The sleeveless design makes it a practical and stylish choice for transitional weather or smart-casual layering over shirts and blouses.

The Sweater (Jumper)

The sweater shares the same elaborate stitch architecture as the slipover but adds full sleeves, creating a complete and cosy Aran-weight garment. The combination of bold cable panels and moss stitch detailing gives this sweater a traditional, heritage feel that is timeless in appeal. Both garments are worked in Aran weight yarn, which knits up at a satisfying pace while still allowing the intricate stitch patterns to show off their detail clearly.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Centre Cable Panel

The centrepiece of both designs is the Centre Cable Panel, which spans 68 stitches and measures approximately 30 cm (11¾ in) in width. This panel is a complex, multi-row repeat that combines several different cable and twist stitches to create a dramatic, interlocking rope and lattice effect. Working this panel requires the use of a cable needle (CN) throughout.

The key cable and twist abbreviations used within the Centre Cable Panel include:

• C6B – Cable 6 Back: slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle. This creates a classic right-leaning rope cable.
• T5B – Twist 5 Back: slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back, knit 3, then purl 2 from the cable needle. This creates a travelling cable that moves diagonally to the right.
• T5F – Twist 5 Front: slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front, purl 2, then knit 3 from the cable needle. This creates a travelling cable moving diagonally to the left.
• T3B – Twist 3 Back: slip 1 stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the back, knit 2, then purl 1 from the cable needle. A smaller rightward travelling twist.
• T3F – Twist 3 Front: slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front, purl 1, then knit 2 from the cable needle. A smaller leftward travelling twist.

These travelling cables and crossing stitches work together across the panel rows to create the interlocking, flowing cable motifs characteristic of traditional Aran knitwear. The panel is worked symmetrically, with the central section mirrored on either side.

Moss Stitch

Moss stitch is used alongside the cable panel to provide textural contrast. This classic stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard arrangement, creating a firm, dense fabric with a pleasingly rustic surface. In Aran knitting, moss stitch is traditionally used as a background or