Hooded Sweater & Slipover in King Cole Splash DK - 4249 - Downloadable PDF

Hooded Sweater & Slipover in King Cole Splash DK – Pattern 4249

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 4249) provides instructions for two distinct children's knitwear designs: a hooded sweater and a slipover. Both garments are worked in King Cole Splash DK yarn and are sized to fit chest measurements of 51–76 cm (20–30 inches), making them suitable for younger children across a range of sizes. The pattern is rated Easy Knit, placing it at an approachable level for knitters who have moved beyond the absolute basics — broadly corresponding to an intermediate beginner skill level.

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The Hooded Sweater

The hooded sweater is a cosy, practical pullover designed with a fitted hood — a popular feature for children's knitwear that adds both warmth and a fun, contemporary look. The sweater is constructed in the round and in flat panels following standard garment-making conventions, with separate front, back, and sleeve sections that are seamed together. The hood itself is typically worked as an extension of the neckline, shaped and then joined at the top.

• Garment type: Pullover sweater with an attached hood
• Sizing: Chest 51–76 cm (20–30 in)
• Construction: Flat knitted panels, seamed finishing

The Slipover

The slipover is a sleeveless vest-style garment, ideal as a layering piece over shirts or long-sleeved tops. Slipovers are a classic staple of children's knitwear and are quicker to complete than a full sweater due to the absence of sleeves. This makes the slipover an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with garment shaping before tackling more complex constructions.

• Garment type: Sleeveless slipover / vest
• Sizing: Chest 51–76 cm (20–30 in)
• Construction: Flat knitted panels, seamed finishing

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both designs in this pattern draw on a focused set of classic knitting stitches and techniques, making them well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the fundamentals and ready to practise garment shaping.

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The primary fabric stitch used across both garments. Worked by alternating a knit row on the right side with a purl row on the wrong side, stocking stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric that showcases the colourful, variegated nature of King Cole Splash DK yarn beautifully.
• 1×1 Rib: Used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands. Ribbing is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row (K1, P1), creating a stretchy, elastic fabric that helps garment edges hold their shape and fit snugly against the body.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Standard shaping techniques used to form armholes, necklines, sleeve caps, and hood shaping. The pattern uses abbreviations including inc (increase), dec (decrease), tog (knit or purl two stitches together), psso (pass slipped stitch over), and s1 (slip one stitch knitways).
• Working through the back of the loop (tbl): A technique referenced in the abbreviations that twists a stitch for decorative or structural effect.
• Alternating rows (alt): Shaping is worked on alternate rows, a common method for creating gradual, neat decreases along armhole and neckline edges.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Tension

Both garments are designed specifically for King Cole Splash DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. Splash DK