Sweater and Cardigan in King Cole DK - 4162 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole DK Pattern 4162 – Sweater and Cardigan Knitting Pattern Summary

This intermediate-level knitting pattern, King Cole Pattern 4162, provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a sweater and a cardigan, both knitted in King Cole DK yarn. The pattern covers a generous size range of 81–112 cm (32–44 in), making it suitable for a wide variety of adult figures. As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

About the Designs

The Sweater

The sweater is a classic pullover construction worked in King Cole DK yarn. It features a textured stitch pattern that gives the fabric visual interest and structure beyond a simple stocking stitch fabric. The design is sized to fit chest measurements from 81 to 112 cm (32 to 44 in), offering a flattering, wearable fit across multiple sizes. The sweater is an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping and are ready to incorporate decorative stitch techniques.

The Cardigan

The cardigan version shares the same yarn, needle size, and stitch tension as the sweater, and is worked across the same size range of 81–112 cm (32–44 in). As an open-front garment, the cardigan offers a versatile layering piece. It uses the same combination of textured and cable techniques as the sweater, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across both designs. Knitters can choose to make one or both garments from a single pattern purchase.

Techniques Used

Both garments make use of a range of classic knitting techniques that place this pattern firmly in the intermediate difficulty category. Knitters will work with two shades of yarn — a main shade (M) and a contrast shade (C) — adding a colourwork element to the construction. The pattern also incorporates cable knitting, a beloved traditional technique in which stitches are crossed over one another to create rope-like or twisted columns of texture. Additionally, twist stitches are used to create smaller-scale textural detail without the need for a cable needle in every instance.

• Cable knitting: Both C4 (Cable 4) and C8 (Cable 8) cables are featured. Cable 4 involves slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle, holding them at the back, knitting the next 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, and then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Cable 8 follows the same principle but works over 4 stitches each side, creating a broader, more dramatic cable twist.
• Twist 2 (T2): A twist stitch worked by knitting into the second stitch on the needle in front of the first stitch, then slipping both stitches off the needle together — a neat technique for adding subtle rope texture without a cable needle.
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Used to create deliberate yarn-overs, likely contributing to the decorative stitch pattern across the fabric.
• Two-shade knitting: The use of a main shade and a contrast shade introduces a colourwork dimension to the pattern, adding visual depth to the finished garments.
• Garment shaping: Standard intermediate shaping techniques are used throughout, including increases, decreases, and seaming to construct the body, sleeves, and front/back panels.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) — the foundational stitch used throughout both garments
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used within the stitch pattern for decorative effect
• Twist 2 (T2) — a crossed stitch technique for subtle texture
• Cable 4 (C4) — a four-stitch back cable for classic rope detail
• Cable 8 (C8) — an eight-stitch back cable for bold, prominent cable columns
• Patterned stitch repeat — the overall fabric is worked in a repeating stitch pattern rather than plain stocking stitch, giving both garments their distinctive textured appearance