Cardigans in King Cole DK - 5094pdf - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in King Cole DK – Pattern 5094: Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole presents cardigans knitted in DK weight yarn, designed for knitters at an intermediate skill level. The pattern covers chest sizes ranging from 81 cm to 107 cm (32 in to 42 in), making it a versatile choice for a broad range of adult sizes. A standout feature of the construction is the raglan sleeve shaping, a classic and elegant approach to garment making that creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline.

About the Raglan Sleeve Design

The raglan sleeve is a distinctive construction technique in which the sleeve extends in one piece all the way to the collar, eliminating the traditional shoulder seam. This results in a comfortable, relaxed fit that suits a wide range of body shapes. Raglan shaping is achieved through carefully placed increases and decreases worked on right-side and wrong-side rows, giving the finished cardigan a clean, tailored appearance. It is a popular choice for cardigans and sweaters alike, prized for both its aesthetic appeal and its practical ease of wear.

Techniques and Construction

The cardigans in this pattern are worked using a combination of well-established knitting techniques suited to intermediate knitters. Key construction and shaping methods referenced in the pattern include:

• Raglan sleeve shaping – the defining structural feature of these cardigans, worked through systematic increases and decreases
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric stitch, worked with knit stitches on right-side rows and purl stitches on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic surface
• Increasing and decreasing – used to shape the raglan lines, armholes, and other fitted areas of the garment
• Slipping stitches – referenced in the abbreviations, contributing to neat shaping and edge finishing
• Working through the back of stitches (tbs) – a technique used to create twisted stitches, often employed for decorative or structural purposes
• Yarn round needle (yrn) – used to create yarn-over increases, which may contribute to decorative detailing or buttonhole construction
• Passing slipped stitches over (psso) – a decrease method commonly used in shaping and lace-style detailing

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a focused set of fundamental knitting stitches and techniques, making it approachable for those with a solid grounding in the basics while still offering enough interest to engage more experienced knitters:

• Knit (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout
• Purl (P) – worked on wrong-side rows in stocking stitch sections
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main fabric of the cardigans, combining knit and purl rows
• Slip stitch (sl) – used in shaping and finishing techniques
• Yarn round needle (yrn) – for increases and potential eyelet or buttonhole details
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – a decrease stitch contributing to shaping

Colour Options

The pattern references both a main shade (M) and a contrast shade (C), indicating that the cardigans may be worked in two colours. This opens up creative possibilities for colour blocking, contrast borders, or decorative stripe details, allowing knitters to personalise their finished garments.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

These cardigans are designed to be knitted in King Cole DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn well known for its wide colour range and reliable quality. 4mm knitting needles are specified to achieve the correct tension. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension square before beginning the garment, as achieving the correct tension is essential for the finished cardigan to match the stated size. If fewer stitches or rows than stated are achieved, finer needles should be used; if more,