Cardigan & Top in King Cole Opium/Opium Palette Chunky - 5063pdf - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Top Knitted in King Cole Opium / Opium Palette Chunky – Pattern 5063

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents two classic knitwear designs — a cardigan and a top — both worked in the luxuriously textured King Cole Opium or King Cole Opium Palette Chunky yarn. Rated as an intermediate level project, the pattern is suitable for knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and reading multi-size instructions. Sizes range generously from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making both garments accessible across a wide range of body measurements.

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About the Yarn and Materials

Both designs are worked in King Cole Opium Chunky or its variegated sister yarn King Cole Opium Palette Chunky — a chunky weight yarn that knits up quickly and produces a beautifully soft, substantial fabric. The recommended needles are 6mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension. Knitters should always swatch before beginning to ensure accurate sizing.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 21 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 6mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for both garments to fit as intended. If fewer stitches than stated are obtained over 10 cm, knitters are advised to switch to a finer needle; if more stitches are obtained, a larger needle should be used.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The primary fabric stitch used throughout both garments, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. It produces a smooth, flat fabric on the right side and a ridged texture on the reverse.
• 1×1 Rib: A classic ribbing stitch formed by alternating one knit stitch and one purl stitch across the row. It is typically used for welts, cuffs, neckbands, and button bands, providing elasticity and a neat, professional finish.
• Knit (K) and Purl (P): The two foundational knitting stitches that underpin all the fabric construction in these designs.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Standard shaping techniques used to form armholes, necklines, and sleeve tapers. The pattern uses inc (increasing) and dec (decreasing) methods to sculpt the garment silhouette.
• Slip Stitch Decrease (sl1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease where one stitch is slipped knitways, the next stitch is knitted, and the slipped stitch is passed over. This technique is used for neat, directional shaping.
• Knitting Through Back of Loops (tbl): A technique that twists stitches slightly, often used in ribbing or specific decrease methods to create a tighter, more defined stitch.
• Yarn Forward (yfwd): Used to create a decorative eyelet or as part of a lace-effect detail, this technique brings the yarn to the front of the work before a knit stitch.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a relaxed, wearable layering piece designed to take full advantage of the rich texture and colour of King Cole Opium or Opium Palette Chunky. Worked primarily in stocking stitch with 1×1 rib edgings, the cardigan features classic construction with shaped armholes and a neat neckline. The chunky weight yarn means this garment knits up relatively quickly, making it a rewarding project for intermediate knitters. The wide size range — from a 28/30 inch to a 44/46 inch bust — ensures the pattern is genuinely inclusive.

Key Features of the Cardigan

• Worked in stocking stitch