Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK - 5705 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Big Value Tweed DK Cardigan and Sweater – Pattern 5705 Summary

Pattern 5705 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic knitwear designs for children: a cardigan and a sweater. Both garments are worked in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK yarn and are sized to fit chest measurements of 56–76 cm (22–30 inches), making this pattern suitable for a range of children's sizes. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, meaning it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to work with multiple stitch patterns simultaneously.

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Materials and Tension

Both designs are knitted using King Cole Big Value Tweed DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn that produces a classic tweedy texture, adding visual interest and warmth to the finished garments. The recommended needle sizes are 3.25mm needles for the ribbed welts and borders, and 4mm needles for the main body fabric.

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements. If fewer stitches than stated are produced over 10 cm, knitters should switch to a finer needle; if more stitches appear, a larger needle should be used.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques Used

The pattern makes use of several stitch patterns across both garments:

• 2x2 Rib (K2, P2 Rib): Used for welts, cuffs, and button bands. This classic ribbing stitch creates a stretchy, neat edge. It is worked by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across the row, then reversing on the return row to maintain the rib columns.
• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The primary fabric stitch for both garments. Worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, stocking stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric on the right side.
• Garter Stitch (G-St): Worked by knitting every row, producing a ridged, reversible fabric. Used as an accent or border detail within the pattern.
• Eyelet and Lace Detail: The pattern incorporates a decorative eyelet sequence using yarn forward (yfwd), slip one knitways (s1), knit one, pass slipped stitch over (psso), and knit two together (K2tog) techniques. This creates a delicate leaf-like or openwork motif panel within the fabric, adding a decorative element to what might otherwise be a plain garment.

Key Knitting Abbreviations and Techniques

The pattern uses standard UK knitting abbreviations throughout. Key techniques referenced include:

• K2tog – knit two stitches together, a right-leaning decrease used in shaping and lace detail
• s1, K1, psso – slip one stitch knitways, knit one, pass slipped stitch over; a left-leaning decrease used in lace and shaping
• yfwd – yarn forward, creating a new stitch and an eyelet hole in lace sections
• yon / yrn – yarn over needle / yarn round needle, additional methods of creating new stitches in decorative sections
• dec – decreasing stitches for armhole and neck shaping
• inc – increasing stitches for sleeve shaping
• Cast off – used at armhole shaping to remove stitches cleanly at the beginning of rows

The Cardigan Design

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are seamed together. It features a Left Front section (and by implication a Right Front,