Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky - 4245 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky – Pattern 4245

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a sweater (also known as a jumper or pullover). Both garments are worked in the popular King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky yarn, making them ideal projects for knitters who enjoy fast, satisfying results from chunky-weight knitting. The pattern covers a generous range of sizes, from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in) chest measurement, making it suitable for a wide variety of body types.

About the Designs

The two designs share the same yarn and needle specifications but offer different styling options. The cardigan is an open-front garment, typically featuring a button or open-front closure, making it a versatile layering piece. The sweater is a classic pullover style, designed to be worn over the head. Both garments are knitted in a timeless, wearable silhouette suited to everyday wear. The multi-coloured nature of the King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky yarn means that the colour patterning is created automatically as you knit, without the need for complex colourwork techniques — the yarn does the decorative work for you.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: King Cole Big Value Multi Chunky — a chunky weight yarn that knits up quickly and produces a warm, substantial fabric. The "Multi" colourway delivers a self-striping or variegated effect, adding visual interest without additional techniques.
• Knitting Needles: 6mm (US 10) knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct tension. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size up or down as necessary to match the stated tension.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for both garments to fit as intended. The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 6mm needles. If your tension swatch produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to a finer needle; if it produces more stitches, switch to a larger needle. Taking time to knit and measure a tension swatch before beginning is strongly recommended, particularly for sized garments like these.

Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric construction technique used throughout both garments. Stocking stitch is formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric on the right side.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Shaping for armholes, necklines, and sleeves is achieved through standard knitting increases and decreases, giving the garments their fitted, tailored structure.
• Slipping Stitches: The pattern references slipping stitches knitways (sl), a technique often used in decrease methods such as sl1, k1, psso (slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over), which creates a neat left-leaning decrease.
• Working Through the Back of the Loop (tbl): This technique is referenced in the abbreviations and is used to create twisted stitches that can tighten or neaten specific areas of the knitting.
• Knit and Purl Stitches: The fundamental building blocks of both designs, used to construct stocking stitch fabric and any ribbed or textured edging sections typical of chunky knitwear.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St st) — the main body fabric of both garments
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches throughout
• Slip stitch decreases — including sl1, psso combinations for shaping
• Increases (inc) and Decreases (dec) for garment shaping
• Through back of loop (tbl) stitches where indicated

Difficulty