Frilled Top And Frilled Cardigan in King Cole Opium - 4181 - Downloadable PDF

Frilled Top and Frilled Cardigan in King Cole Opium – Pattern 4181

King Cole pattern 4181 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two coordinating chunky-weight designs: a Frilled Top and a Frilled Cardigan. Both garments are knitted in King Cole Opium yarn and share a playful, feminine aesthetic defined by their signature frilled detailing. The pattern covers a generous size range of 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making it accessible for a wide variety of body sizes. Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to tackle decorative finishing elements.

About King Cole Opium Yarn

King Cole Opium is a chunky-weight yarn, which means both garments work up relatively quickly compared to finer-weight projects. Chunky yarns are ideal for creating garments with a cosy, substantial drape and visible stitch definition. The weight of the yarn contributes to the relaxed, comfortable feel of both the top and the cardigan.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch. Achieving the correct tension is essential for both garments to fit as intended across the full size range. Knitters are always advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly.

The Frilled Top

Overview

The Frilled Top is a standalone knitted garment featuring decorative frill elements that give it a distinctive, fashion-forward appearance. The top is constructed using classic knitted garment techniques and is shaped through a combination of armhole and neck shaping to achieve a fitted, flattering silhouette.

Techniques and Construction

• Stocking stitch forms the main fabric of the top, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface.
• Armhole shaping is worked through decreases to create a neat, fitted armhole opening.
• Neck shaping involves decreasing stitches at the neck edge on right-side rows and on every following alternate row, carefully reducing the stitch count to shape a clean neckline.
• Frill detailing is a key design feature, adding a decorative, feminine edge to the garment.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch throughout the body of the top
• Garter stitch (g-st) – referenced in the construction of certain sections, adding texture and structure
• 1x1 Rib – used for neat, stretchy edging details

The Frilled Cardigan

Overview

The Frilled Cardigan is an open-front knitted cardigan that coordinates beautifully with the Frilled Top. It shares the same yarn, tension, and decorative frill aesthetic, making the two pieces ideal for wearing together as a set or separately as individual wardrobe staples. The cardigan features front edges, neckband finishing, and full armhole and neck shaping for a polished, structured result.

Techniques and Construction

• Right Front and Left Front sections are worked separately and shaped individually, beginning at the lower edge and working upward.
• Armhole shaping is worked to a specified depth — 18 [20:22:24:26] cm — ensuring the armhole is proportionate across all sizes.
• Neck shaping on the cardigan fronts involves decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge on the next row and then on every following 4th row, producing a gradual, elegant neckline slope.
• Neckband construction requires picking up and knitting stitches evenly around the neckline — specifically 67 stitches along one section, 18 [26:30:34:42] stitches along the front edge, and 8 stitches