Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole DK - 4257 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole DK – Pattern 4257

This King Cole pattern 4257 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic designs for adults: a cardigan and a sweater (jumper), both knitted in King Cole DK (double knit) weight yarn. The pattern covers a generous range of sizes from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in) chest, making it suitable for a wide variety of body shapes. Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, tension management, and simple textured stitch patterns, but who may not yet have tackled complex colourwork or advanced construction techniques.

As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern purchased, so your crafting also supports a meaningful charitable cause.

What Is Being Made

The pattern contains instructions for two separate garments:

• A Cardigan – a front-opening knitted jacket, typically worked in separate pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) and then seamed together. Cardigans of this style often feature button bands or ribbed front edges and are versatile layering pieces suitable for everyday wear.
• A Sweater (Jumper) – a classic pullover worked in the same yarn weight and needle size, providing a coordinating or standalone wardrobe staple. Sweaters at this gauge are comfortable, structured, and suitable for cooler seasons.

Techniques Used

Both garments are constructed using flat knitting — individual panels are knitted back and forth in rows and then seamed. Key techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Tension/gauge swatching – the pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over pattern using 4mm (US6) needles. Knitters are instructed to adjust needle size up or down to achieve the correct tension, which is essential for a well-fitting finished garment.
• Increasing and decreasing – standard shaping techniques used to form armholes, sleeve caps, necklines, and side seams.
• Making a stitch (M1) – a specific increase technique noted in the special abbreviations, where a loop is picked up between stitches to add a new stitch without leaving a hole.
• Seaming – joining knitted panels together to construct the finished garment.
• Picking up stitches – likely used for finishing neckbands, button bands, or cuffs after the main pieces are complete.

Stitches Used

The pattern uses a combination of foundational knitting stitches and simple textured patterns:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the two fundamental knitting stitches that form the basis of all stitch patterns in this design.
• 1x1 Rib – worked as *K1, P1, repeat* across the row. Ribbing is an elastic stitch pattern commonly used for welts, cuffs, neckbands, and button bands. It creates a stretchy, neat edge that helps garments retain their shape.
• Pattern stitch – the main body fabric is described as worked over pattern, against which the tension is measured. This suggests a defined stitch pattern (such as a textured or combination knit/purl arrangement) is used for the body and sleeves of both garments.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Hooks

Both the cardigan and the sweater are designed to be knitted in King Cole DK (double knit) weight yarn. DK is one of the most popular yarn weights in the UK, sitting between 4-ply and Aran, and producing a fabric that is lightweight yet substantial — ideal for year-round knitwear. King Cole offers a wide range of DK yarns in various fibres and finishes, giving knitters flexibility in their yarn choice while working to this pattern.

• Needles: 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles are specified as the primary needle size. Kn