Cardigans in King Cole DK - 4165 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole DK Cardigans – Pattern 4165: Detailed Summary

King Cole pattern 4165 is a knitting pattern for cardigans, designed for knitters working at an intermediate skill level. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and covers a size range of 81–112 cm (32–44 in), making it suitable for a broad range of adult fits. As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces cardigans — classic open-front knitted garments that are versatile wardrobe staples. Cardigans are typically worked in separate pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) that are then seamed together, though construction details may vary. The size range of 81–112 cm suggests these designs are intended for adult wearers, spanning smaller through larger bust or chest measurements.

Yarn and Materials

The cardigans are knitted in King Cole DK weight yarn. DK (double knitting) is a medium-light weight yarn that is widely popular for garment knitting — it works up relatively quickly while still producing a fabric with good stitch definition and drape. The pattern references both a main shade (M) and a contrast shade (C), indicating that at least one of the designs incorporates two colours of yarn.

• Yarn weight: DK (double knitting)
• Brand: King Cole DK
• Colour usage: Main shade (M) and contrast shade (C) referenced
• Needles: 4mm knitting needles are specified as the needle size used to achieve the stated tension

Tension

The pattern states a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving this tension is described as essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended size. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension square before beginning. If fewer stitches or rows are produced over 10 cm, finer needles should be used; if more stitches or rows appear, larger needles are recommended.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a range of standard knitting stitches and techniques, as indicated by the abbreviations glossary included in the PDF:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the primary fabric stitch, worked as knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side; this produces the smooth, classic knitted surface typical of cardigans
• Slip stitch (sl) — used for neat edges or specific shaping effects
• Through back of stitch (tbs) — a technique that twists the stitch, often used to tighten decreases or create a neater finish
• Yarn round needle (yrn) — a method of creating a new stitch or eyelet, commonly used in lace-effect details or buttonhole construction
• Increase (inc) and decrease (dec) — standard shaping techniques used throughout garment construction for armholes, necklines, and sleeve tapers
• Knit together (tog) — a common decrease stitch

Techniques Used

As an intermediate-level knitting pattern, King Cole 4165 assumes a working knowledge of core garment-knitting techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with:

• Casting on and casting off — the pattern references casting off in the context of shaping, suggesting multiple cast-off points throughout construction
• Garment shaping — including increases and decreases worked at specific intervals to shape armholes, sleeves, and necklines
• Working with two shades — the use of a main shade and contrast shade suggests colour knitting techniques such as striping or colour blocking
• Tension management — the pattern places strong emphasis on correct tension, a key skill at the intermediate level
• Following multi-size instructions