Sweater, Cardigan and Hat Knitted in King Cole Acorn Aran - 5805 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 5805: Sweater, Cardigan and Hat Knitted in King Cole Acorn Aran – Pattern Summary

King Cole pattern 5805 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering three coordinating designs in one package: a pullover sweater, a cardigan, and a hat. All three pieces are worked in King Cole Acorn Aran weight yarn, making this a versatile collection suitable for building a complete, coordinated wardrobe. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable working beyond basic knit-and-purl projects and are ready to tackle textured stitch patterns and simple shaping techniques. Sizes range from 81–102 cm (32–40 inches) chest, covering a practical spread of adult sizes.

King Cole also notes that a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern purchased, adding a charitable dimension to this project.

Materials and Tension

All three designs call for King Cole Acorn Aran weight yarn, worked on 5mm knitting needles. The stated tension is 20 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the stitch pattern. As with any knitting project, checking your tension swatch before casting on is strongly recommended — if your swatch produces fewer stitches or rows than stated, switch to finer needles; if it produces more, switch to larger needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important across all three pieces to ensure consistent fit and appearance.

The Sweater

What Is Being Made

The sweater is a classic pullover jumper knitted in King Cole Acorn Aran. It is designed to be a comfortable, structured garment with textured surface interest provided by the stitch pattern used throughout.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The foundation fabric of many knitted garments — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — used for smooth, flat sections of the sweater.
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st): The mirror image of stocking stitch, worked with the purl side as the right side, creating a softer, more textured surface.
• Twist 2 (T2): A cable-adjacent technique where the knitter knits into the second stitch on the left needle first, then knits the first stitch, slipping both off together. This creates a simple twisted-stitch effect without a cable needle, adding subtle rope-like texture.
• Increasing and decreasing: Standard shaping methods used to form the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps.
• Slipping stitches: Used as part of the stitch pattern and shaping rows.

The Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The cardigan is a front-opening knitted jacket worked in King Cole Acorn Aran. Like the sweater, it features the same textured stitch pattern, giving both garments a cohesive aesthetic when worn together or separately. The cardigan will typically include button bands and front opening shaping, characteristic of intermediate-level cardigans.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): Used across body and sleeve panels for smooth, structured fabric.
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st): Incorporated into the overall stitch pattern for textural contrast.
• Twist 2 (T2): The same twisted-stitch detail as the sweater, worked by knitting the second stitch before the first and slipping both stitches off together, producing a neat, decorative twist.
• Shaping techniques: Increases and decreases are used to shape the armholes, front edges, neckline, and sleeves.
• Pattern repeats: The stitch pattern is worked in repeating sequences, requiring the knitter to track pattern rows carefully alongside shaping rows — a key intermediate skill.

The Hat