Jackets, Hat and Blanket in King Cole DK - 4212 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole DK Pattern 4212 – Knitted Jackets, Hat and Blanket for 0–24 Months

King Cole pattern 4212 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 24 months. It covers four projects in one collection: two jackets, a hat, and a blanket, all knitted in King Cole DK (double knitting) weight yarn. The finished sizes range from 36 cm to 56 cm (14 to 22 inches), making the pattern suitable for newborns right through to two-year-olds. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and working from written instructions, and who are ready to tackle simple stitch pattern combinations and garment construction techniques.

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The Jackets

The pattern includes instructions for knitting baby and toddler jackets worked across multiple size options to fit chest measurements from 36 cm to 56 cm. The jackets are constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a classic approach that gives structure and a neat finish to small garments.

Construction and Shaping

The jackets feature a yoke section, which is worked after the main body pieces are complete. Shaping is achieved through decrease rows and increase rows, worked at specific intervals to create a well-fitted silhouette. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations throughout, including:

• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used to reduce stitch counts during yoke and armhole shaping
• Inc (increase) – used to add stitches at set intervals, particularly during the yoke increase row
• Dec (decrease) – general shaping throughout the garment
• Cast off – used at the beginning of rows to shape armholes and shoulders

Stitches and Techniques

• Garter stitch (gst) – knitting every row, used for borders, edges, and textural sections of the jackets
• Pattern stitch (patt) – a stitch pattern worked across the body of the jacket, referenced as the pattern given for the Back, adding visual interest beyond plain stocking stitch
• Stitches are placed onto a thread (stitch holder) during yoke construction, a technique that allows sections to be rejoined and worked together later
• Yarn is wound into separate balls where two colours (referred to as M for main colour and C for contrast colour) are used, indicating some colour work or stripe detailing within the design

Tension

The stated tension for the jackets is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm, measured over the pattern stitch using 3.75 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential when knitting garments for babies, as even small differences can significantly affect the finished size.

The Hat

The collection includes a knitted baby and toddler hat to coordinate with the jackets. Like the jackets, it is worked in King Cole DK yarn and uses the same needle size and tension as a guide. The hat is sized to fit the same age range of 0 to 24 months, making it a practical matching accessory to complete an outfit.

Stitches and Techniques

• Garter stitch – used for the brim or border of the hat, providing a neat, non-curling edge
• Shaping rows using decrease stitches to form the crown of the hat
• Worked in King Cole DK with 3.75 mm needles

The Blanket

The knitted baby blanket is the fourth project in pattern 4212 and makes a wonderful gift or nursery accessory. It is worked in King Cole DK yarn using a combination of the