Cardigan and Slipover Knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK - 5723 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Slipover Knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK – Pattern 5723

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 5723) provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a slipover. Both garments are worked in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn that lends itself beautifully to structured, wearable projects. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters ready to cast on straight away.

The size range covered is generous, spanning 81–127 cm (32–50 inches), ensuring the pattern is suitable for a wide variety of body sizes. Whether you are knitting the fitted cardigan or the classic slipover, both designs offer a timeless, versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down.

Garments Included

• Cardigan: A classic button-up knitted cardigan worked in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK. The cardigan is a perennial favourite in hand knitting, typically featuring front button bands, set-in or shaped sleeves, and a neat neckline finish. This design makes excellent use of the yarn's colourway to create a garment with visual interest and everyday wearability.
• Slipover: A sleeveless pullover, or slipover, also knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK. Slipovers are a practical and stylish layering piece, ideal for transitional seasons. The sleeveless construction makes them a slightly quicker knit than a full sweater, while still delivering a polished, finished look.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are designed to be knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. DK is one of the most popular yarn weights in hand knitting — lighter than Aran but with more body than 4-ply — making it ideal for garments that drape well and hold their shape. The Paradise Beaches colourway range from King Cole is known for its vibrant, multi-tonal self-striping or variegated effects, which add colour and texture to the finished fabric without the need for complex colourwork techniques.

• Yarn: King Cole Paradise Beaches DK
• Needle size: 4mm knitting needles (or the size required to achieve the correct tension)

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for both garments to come out at the intended size. The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, switch to a finer needle; if more stitches are achieved, switch to a larger needle.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern makes use of a small but classic selection of knitting stitches and techniques, making it well-suited to an intermediate knitter who is comfortable with standard garment construction:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows. This creates a smooth, flat fabric that showcases the colourway of the Paradise Beaches yarn to its best advantage.
• 1x1 Rib: Ribbing is used for borders, cuffs, and welts. The 1x1 rib is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row (K1, P1, repeat from * to last stitch, K1). This creates an elastic, neat edge that helps garments retain their shape at hems and openings.
• Decreasing: Shaping for armholes, necklines, and other garment sections is achieved through standard decrease techniques, including knitting two stitches together (tog) and slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (psso). These methods create neat, directional decreases that give the garments a professional finish.