Cardigan with Lower Pattern and Plain Cardigan in King Cole Vogue DK - 5098pdf - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan with Lower Pattern and Plain Cardigan in King Cole Vogue DK – Pattern 5098

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents two classic cardigan designs sized to fit a wide range of adults, from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in) chest measurements. The pattern is labelled as an Easy Lace Pattern for larger sizes, making it an accessible yet rewarding project for intermediate knitters looking to build their garment-making skills. Both designs are worked in King Cole Vogue DK yarn, a popular double knitting weight yarn well suited to everyday wearable pieces.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Pattern 5098 offers knitters a choice between two distinct cardigans, each with its own character while sharing the same yarn and basic construction approach:

• Cardigan with Lower Pattern: Features a decorative lace or textured stitch panel worked into the lower section of the garment, adding visual interest and a delicate finish to an otherwise classic silhouette.
• Plain Cardigan: A clean, straightforward design worked primarily in stocking stitch, ideal for those who prefer a timeless, versatile wardrobe staple without decorative patterning.

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically front panels, a back, and sleeves — before being seamed together, which is the traditional method for constructed knitwear. This approach allows knitters to work at a comfortable pace and check tension and shaping at each stage. The garments feature standard cardigan shaping, including armhole and neckline decreases, and are finished with button bands worked in 2x2 Rib.

The ribbed edging is a fundamental finishing technique that creates a neat, elasticated border along cuffs, hems, and front openings. Ribbing is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row, producing a fabric that draws in slightly and holds its shape well over time.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The primary fabric stitch, created by knitting on right side rows and purling on wrong side rows. It produces a smooth, flat surface on the right side and is the foundation of the Plain Cardigan and the upper sections of the Patterned Cardigan.
• 2x2 Rib: Used for borders, cuffs, and button bands. Worked by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across the row, creating a stretchy, structured edging.
• Lace / Decorative Pattern Stitches: Featured in the lower section of the Cardigan with Lower Pattern. Lace knitting typically incorporates yarn forward (yfwd) increases paired with decreases to create intentional holes and a delicate, open texture.

Key Techniques and Abbreviations

The pattern makes use of a range of standard knitting techniques and abbreviations that intermediate knitters will recognise. These include:

• Yarn Forward (yfwd): Bringing the yarn to the front of the work before a knit stitch to create a deliberate eyelet or increase, central to lace patterning.
• Decrease methods: Including psso (pass slipped stitch over) and p2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over), used to shape the garment and balance lace increases.
• Knitting through the back of the loop (tbl): A technique used to twist stitches for a neater or more defined result in certain pattern rows.
• Slip stitch (sl): Slipping stitches knitways as part of decrease sequences, particularly in lace and shaping sections.
• Increasing and decreasing: Used throughout for armhole shaping, sleeve tapering, and neckline formation.
• Alternating rows (alt): Shaping is worked on alternate rows, a standard method for achieving gradual, smooth curves in knitted garments.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

Both cardigans are designed to be knitted in King Cole Vogue DK, a double knitting weight yarn. DK weight yarn is one of the most versat