Cardigans in King Cole Wool Aran - 5957 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Wool Aran Pattern 5957 – Family Round Neck, Collared, and V-Neck Cardigans

Pattern 5957 from King Cole is a knitting pattern offering three classic cardigan designs for the whole family: a round neck cardigan, a collared cardigan, and a V-neck cardigan. Sizes range from 61 cm to 107 cm (24 in to 42 in), making this a versatile pattern suitable for children through to adults. All three garments are knitted in King Cole Aran weight yarn, giving each finished piece a beautifully textured, warm, and structured appearance.

Designs Included in This Pattern

• Round Neck Cardigan – A timeless, family-friendly style with a neat round neckline, suitable for everyday wear across a wide range of sizes.
• Collared Cardigan – Features an added collar detail for a slightly more traditional or smart-casual finish, ideal for layering in cooler weather.
• V-Neck Cardigan – A classic V-neck opening that offers a flattering, versatile silhouette appropriate for both children and adults.

Techniques and Construction

This is an intermediate level knitting pattern, meaning it is well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further. The designs incorporate both flat knitting and shaping techniques, including increasing and decreasing to achieve well-fitted armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps. Knitters will also work button bands and, in the collared version, a collar construction requiring careful pick-up and knitting of stitches.

A key feature of these cardigans is the use of a cable panel running through the fabric. The cable panel measures 38 stitches across and 13.5 cm (5¼ in) wide, adding a striking textured element that elevates these garments beyond a simple stocking stitch project. Working cables requires a cable needle (CN) and the ability to follow a repeating panel sequence.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – The primary background fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side.
• Cable stitches – Including C4B (slip 2 stitches to cable needle held at back, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle) and C4F (slip 2 stitches to cable needle held at front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle). These two cable crossings create the signature twisted rope or plait effect characteristic of Aran knitting.
• Knit and purl stitches – Used throughout for both the main fabric and any ribbed edgings or welts.
• Slip stitch techniques – Including s1 (slip 1 stitch knitways), s2 (slip 2 stitches knitways), psso (pass slipped stitch over), and p2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over), which are used in shaping and decrease sequences throughout the pattern.
• Stitches worked through the back of the loop (tbl) – Used selectively to create neater or twisted stitches where required.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 18 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch, using 5 mm needles or the needle size required to achieve this gauge. If your tension produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to thinner needles; if it produces more stitches, switch to thicker needles. The cable panel of 38 stitches measures 13.5 cm (5¼ in) and should also be checked as part of your tension swatch.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

• Yarn: King Cole Aran weight yarn. Aran weight yarn is a medium-