Cardigan and Sweater Knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter DK - 5742 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 5742: Cardigan and Sweater Knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter DK – Pattern Summary

Pattern King Cole 5742 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering instructions for two classic garments: a cardigan and a sweater (jumper), both worked in King Cole Subtle Drifter DK yarn. The designs are graded as intermediate in difficulty and are sized to fit a wide range of chest measurements, from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in), making them suitable for a broad audience. A purchase of this pattern contributes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, a cause King Cole supports across its range.

About the Yarn: King Cole Subtle Drifter DK

King Cole Subtle Drifter DK is the specified yarn for both garments in this pattern. As a double knitting (DK) weight yarn, it sits in the light-to-medium category, offering excellent stitch definition while remaining comfortable to wear. The "Subtle Drifter" name refers to its characteristic gently variegated, tonal colour effect, which adds visual interest to the finished fabric without overpowering stitch textures such as cables or ribbing. Knitters should select needle sizes appropriate to achieving the stated tension, as the pattern emphasises that correct tension is essential.

Needles and Tension

Both garments are worked using 4mm knitting needles as the primary needle size, or whichever size is needed to achieve the correct tension. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch. The pattern advises knitters to switch to a finer needle if fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, and to a larger needle if more stitches are achieved. A cable needle (CN) is also required for working the cable panel sections.

Garment One: The Cardigan

The cardigan is a structured, textured design featuring a combination of classic knitting techniques. It is worked in pieces and incorporates both decorative and functional stitch patterns throughout.

Stitches and Techniques Used in the Cardigan

• 2x2 Rib (2x2 Rib): A classic ribbing stitch formed by alternating two knit stitches and two purl stitches across the row. This is typically used at cuffs, hems, and button bands to create a neat, elasticated edge that retains its shape. The rib is worked over a two-row repeat.
• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The most fundamental of knitting fabrics, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. Stocking stitch creates a smooth, flat surface that forms the main body fabric of the garment and provides an ideal backdrop for the cable panel.
• Cable Panel (18 stitches wide): A decorative panel worked over 18 stitches, featuring a four-row repeat. The cable panel combines purl columns for definition with two distinct cable crossings:
  • C6F (Cable 6 Front): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a left-leaning cable twist.
  • C6B (Cable 6 Back): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a right-leaning cable twist.
• M1 (Make One): An increase technique where the horizontal loop between the last worked stitch and the next stitch is picked up and knitted through the back of the loop to avoid a hole, adding one stitch to the fabric.
• Shaping decreases: The pattern uses K2tog (knit two stitches together) and P2tog (purl two stitches together) for shaping at armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps, creating smooth, angled edges.

Construction Notes for the