Cardigan & Top in King Cole DK - 4258 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Top in King Cole DK – Pattern 4258

This King Cole pattern 4258 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic designs for women: a cardigan and a top, both knitted in King Cole DK weight yarn. The pattern covers a generous size range of 81–107 cm (32–42 in), making it accessible to a wide range of body sizes. Rated as an intermediate level project, this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to develop their skills further. As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

The Cardigan

The cardigan design is a timeless, wearable piece that can be adapted to suit a variety of styles and occasions. Cardigans knitted in DK weight yarn offer a comfortable drape and a relatively quick knit compared to heavier weights, making this an enjoyable project for intermediate knitters looking to build their garment-making experience.

Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface on the right side
• Increasing and decreasing – used to shape the body, armholes, and neckline for a fitted finish
• Slip stitch techniques – referenced in the abbreviations, including slip one stitch and pass slipped stitch over (psso), commonly used for neat decreases
• Working in pattern (patt) – following a structured sequence of stitches consistently across rows
• Right side and wrong side row management – essential for maintaining the integrity of stocking stitch and any additional stitch patterns

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the foundational stitches forming stocking stitch
• Slip stitch (sl1) – used in shaping and decorative decrease sequences
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – a classic left-leaning decrease stitch
• Knit/Purl together (tog) – used for shaping seams, armholes, and necklines

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole DK weight yarn
• Needles: 4mm (US 6) knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension

The Top

The second design in this pattern is a knitted top, offering a lighter, more streamlined alternative to the cardigan. Knitted tops in DK weight are versatile wardrobe additions, suitable for layering or wearing alone depending on the season. Like the cardigan, the top is worked in King Cole DK yarn and follows the same tension specification, making it straightforward to work on both designs using the same yarn purchase if desired.

Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch construction – forming the main body fabric of the top
• Garment shaping – including increases and decreases to create the silhouette at the waist, armholes, and neckline
• Alternating rows – working right side and wrong side rows in sequence to build the fabric evenly
• Decrease methods – using psso and knit/purl together techniques for clean, professional shaping

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – core stitches throughout
• Slip stitch (sl1) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) – for directional shaping
• Decrease stitches (tog) – worked at key shaping points

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole DK