Sweater and Cardigan in King Cole Opium - 4180 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Opium Sweater and Cardigan Knitting Pattern (4180)

Pattern 4180 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic knitwear designs: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both knitted in King Cole Opium chunky-weight yarn. These are versatile, wearable garments designed for everyday wear, offering a satisfying knit for those with some experience under their needles. The pattern covers a generous range of sizes, from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making it suitable for a wide variety of body shapes.

About the Designs

The two garments share the same yarn and general construction approach but offer different styling options. The sweater is a classic pullover style, while the cardigan features a front opening with a button band. Both designs are worked in a clean, traditional silhouette that lets the texture of King Cole Opium yarn take centre stage. The chunky weight of the yarn means these are relatively quick knits compared to lighter-weight projects, making them rewarding for intermediate knitters looking for a project that progresses at a satisfying pace.

Construction and Techniques

Both garments are constructed using flat knitting techniques, working the pieces separately and seaming them together. Key construction elements include:

• Armhole shaping — stitches are decreased at the armhole edge in every row initially, then on alternate rows, creating a neat, fitted armhole
• Sleeve top shaping — the sleeve cap is shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then working further decreases to create a set-in sleeve profile
• Ribbed welts and cuffs — the lower edges and cuffs are worked in rib, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Neckband — stitches are picked up evenly around the neck edge to work a neat neckband
• Button band (cardigan) — stitches are picked up along the front edges and along the neckband to create a continuous front band, with the pattern specifying exact stitch counts for a professional result

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a small, well-chosen set of stitches that are well-suited to chunky yarn:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the main body fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch throughout, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Rib stitch — used for welts, cuffs, neckbands, and the cardigan front band, providing stretch and structure at the edges

Shaping Details

The pattern includes carefully written shaping instructions across all five sizes. Armhole shaping involves an initial rapid decrease phase — working decreases at the armhole edge in every row — followed by a slower decrease phase on alternate rows, a technique that creates a smooth, rounded armhole curve typical of set-in sleeve construction. The sleeve top is shaped with cast-offs at the beginning of rows followed by further decreases to match the armhole. Stitch counts are given in brackets for each of the five sizes throughout, making it straightforward to follow the correct figures for your chosen size.

Sizing

• Chest sizes: 71/76, 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, and 112/117 cm (28/30, 32/34, 36/38, 40/42, and 44/46 in)
• Five sizes are covered in a single pattern, with all stitch counts and row counts given for each size

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole Opium — a chunky-weight yarn, the specific fibre content of which gives these garments their distinctive drape and texture
• Needles: The pattern specifies needle sizes appropriate for chunky-weight yarn (refer to the tension section within the PDF for exact needle size recommendations)
• Tension: A tension swatch is required before beginning; the pattern includes a tension specification to ensure accurate sizing across all five sizes