Top & Cardigan in King Cole Galaxy DK - 4108 - Downloadable PDF

Top & Cardigan in King Cole Galaxy DK – Pattern 4108

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents two coordinating designs: a top and a cardigan, both knitted in King Cole Galaxy DK yarn. The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty and is sized to fit bust measurements ranging from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making it suitable for a wide range of sizes. Together, the two garments form a versatile layered outfit that showcases the subtle sparkle and texture characteristic of the Galaxy DK yarn.

About the Yarn and Materials

Both garments are worked in King Cole Galaxy DK, a double knit weight yarn. The Galaxy DK range is well known for its soft base fibre blended with a gentle glitter or metallic thread, giving finished knits a delicate shimmer that suits both casual and occasion wear. Using a DK weight yarn means the fabric knits up at a moderate gauge, producing garments with good drape and definition of stitch pattern.

• Yarn: King Cole Galaxy DK (double knit weight)
• Needles: 3.25 mm needles for ribbed welts and borders; 4 mm needles for the main body sections

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over the main stitch pattern. Achieving the correct tension is especially important at an advanced level, as both garments rely on precise shaping across multiple sizes. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size if necessary.

The Top – Design Overview

The top is one of the two garments included in pattern 4108. It is constructed using a combination of ribbing and a textured main fabric, with shaping worked throughout to achieve a fitted silhouette across the full size range. The use of two needle sizes — smaller needles for the rib sections and larger needles for the body — is a classic technique that ensures neat, firm edges while allowing the main fabric to have the correct drape and stretch.

Techniques and Stitches – Top

• 2x2 Rib: Cast-on sections and borders are worked in two-by-two rib (knit 2, purl 2 repeat), a classic elastic stitch pattern that creates neat, stretchy welts at hems and cuffs. The rib pattern is set as: Row 1 – K1, *P2, K2, repeat from * to last 3 sts, P2, K1; Row 2 – P1, K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to last st, P1.
• Reversed stocking stitch / textured panels: The main body fabric incorporates a textured pattern based on the tension note referencing reversed stocking stitch, giving the fabric a distinctive purl-faced surface that contrasts beautifully with the ribbed sections.
• Incremental shaping: Increases are worked at each end of specific rows (for example, on the 5th and every alternate row) to shape the body correctly through all five sizes.
• Stitch panels: A central panel of 8 stitches worked in a contrasting manner (e.g., purl or knit against the background fabric) is referenced in the pattern rows, adding subtle structural interest to the design.

The Cardigan – Design Overview

The cardigan is the second garment in pattern 4108 and is designed to coordinate with the top as a layering piece. Like the top, it is knitted in King Cole Galaxy DK on 3.25 mm and 4 mm needles. The cardigan features a 2x2 rib construction throughout the main body, which gives the finished garment a stretchy, close-fitting quality while still being comfortable to wear open or fastened. The body is worked flat in separate pieces — typically back, fronts, and sleeves — before being seamed together.

Techniques and Stitches – Cardigan

• 2x2 Rib throughout: Unlike many cardigans where rib is reserved only for welts, this design uses 2x2 rib as the