Waterfall Cardigans in King Cole Cottonsoft DK - 4520 - Downloadable PDF

Waterfall Cardigans in King Cole Cottonsoft DK – Pattern 4520

This King Cole pattern 4520 presents Waterfall Cardigans knitted in King Cole Cottonsoft DK yarn. The pattern is a downloadable PDF suited to intermediate knitters and covers a generous size range of 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making it accessible for a wide variety of body sizes from a smaller bust through to a larger plus size.

The waterfall cardigan is a popular and flattering style characterised by a flowing, open front that cascades downward rather than fastening with buttons or a zip. This draped silhouette creates an elegant, relaxed look that suits both casual and smart occasions. Knitting a waterfall cardigan requires careful attention to shaping so that the front edges fall correctly and the overall garment drapes as intended.

Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric of the cardigans is worked in stocking stitch, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This produces a smooth, classic knitted fabric that drapes well and shows off the softness of the Cottonsoft DK yarn.
• 1x1 Rib: Ribbing is used for neat, stretchy edging sections. It is formed by alternating knit one stitch and purl one stitch across the row, creating a textured, elastic border that helps garment edges lie flat and retain their shape.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Shaping throughout the body and sleeves is achieved through standard knitting increases and decreases, essential for achieving the correct fit across the full size range.
• Tension Matching: The pattern requires a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles. Achieving this tension is described as essential; knitters are advised to switch to finer needles if their stitch count is too low, or to larger needles if their stitch count is too high.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout stocking stitch and ribbing.
• Purl (P) – used on wrong-side rows in stocking stitch and alternated with knit stitches in 1x1 rib.
• 1x1 Rib – alternating K1, P1 repeated across ribbing sections for neat, stretchy edgings.
• Stocking Stitch – the primary fabric stitch pattern, giving a smooth right side and textured wrong side.

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole Cottonsoft DK – a double knit weight yarn. Cottonsoft DK is a soft, comfortable yarn with a cotton-rich composition, making it ideal for a cardigan that can be worn in warmer months or as a lightweight layering piece.
• Needles: 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles are specified to achieve the stated tension over stocking stitch.

Additional Notes

This pattern is part of King Cole's commitment to charitable giving — for every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, supporting breast cancer awareness and research.

The intermediate difficulty level means this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques, reading standard knitting abbreviations, and working to tension, but who may not yet have experience with highly complex construction methods. The clean combination of stocking stitch and ribbing keeps the pattern approachable while the waterfall front styling delivers a sophisticated, on-trend finished garment.