Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole Sprite DK - 4574 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Waistcoat Knitting Pattern in King Cole Sprite DK – Pattern 4574

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a Cardigan and a Waistcoat, both knitted in King Cole Sprite DK yarn. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for home knitters. Sizes range from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), offering an inclusive range suitable for a wide variety of figures. Both garments share the same yarn and tension, making this a versatile pattern pack for knitters who enjoy creating coordinating pieces.

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About the Two Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless, wearable garment knitted in King Cole Sprite DK. As a classic layering piece, it is constructed with traditional knitted panels including a back, two fronts, and sleeves, finished with neat ribbed edgings. The open-front cardigan style is a wardrobe staple that suits both casual and smart occasions, and this pattern is designed to produce a well-fitted, structured result when the correct tension is achieved.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless companion piece, equally suited to layering over blouses or shirts. Like the cardigan, it is knitted in King Cole Sprite DK and features the same stitch pattern and ribbed finishing details. The waistcoat offers a slightly quicker knit than the cardigan due to the absence of sleeves, making it an appealing project for knitters who want a stylish result in less time.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted using King Cole Sprite DK, a double knit weight yarn. DK (double knit) yarn is one of the most popular yarn weights in hand knitting, offering a balance between speed of knitting and stitch definition. It is suitable for a wide range of garments and is widely available in many colourways, giving knitters flexibility in their colour choices.

• Yarn: King Cole Sprite DK
• Yarn Weight: Double Knit (DK)
• Recommended Needle Size: 4mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension

As with all knitting patterns, needle size may need to be adjusted up or down depending on the individual knitter's tension. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a tension square before beginning either garment.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garments match the stated measurements and size. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, knitters should switch to finer needles; if more stitches are achieved, larger needles should be used.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both the cardigan and waistcoat use a combination of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches and techniques, making this pattern well-suited to intermediate-level knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting but ready to work with shaping and stitch patterns.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the most fundamental knitting stitch, used throughout the main body of both garments
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and ribbing
• 1x1 Rib – a classic ribbing stitch formed by alternating one knit stitch and one purl stitch across the row; used for neat, stretchy edgings on cuffs, hems, and front bands
• Yarn Round Needle (yrn) – a technique used to create a yarn-over, often used in shaping or decorative stitch work

Techniques Used

• Increasing (inc) – used