Sweater & Cardigan in King Cole Splash DK - 4248 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Splash DK Sweater & Cardigan – Pattern 4248: Detailed Summary

Pattern 4248 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two distinct designs for children: a classic sweater (pullover) and a cardigan. Both garments are worked in King Cole Splash DK yarn, a self-striping or space-dyed DK-weight yarn that creates eye-catching, multicoloured effects without the need for complex colourwork techniques. The pattern covers a chest size range of 51–76 cm (20–30 inches), making it suitable for younger children across several age groups. This is rated as an intermediate level knitting project, appropriate for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and garment construction.

Designs Included

Design 1: Children's Sweater (Pullover)

The sweater is a straightforward, comfortable pullover construction knitted in the round or flat pieces and seamed. It is designed to showcase the vibrant colour effects of King Cole Splash DK yarn across the body and sleeves. The clean, simple silhouette makes it a practical everyday garment for children, and the self-striping nature of the yarn means the finished piece looks visually complex with minimal effort from the knitter.

Design 2: Children's Cardigan

The cardigan version of this pattern shares the same yarn and general aesthetic as the sweater but features an open front, making it easier to put on and take off — a practical consideration for children's knitwear. The cardigan is worked in matching pieces and finished with a neat button band or border. Both designs are sized to fit chest measurements of 51–76 cm (20–30 in).

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting – both garments are constructed from separate knitted pieces (front, back, sleeves) that are seamed together upon completion.
• Tension/gauge swatching – the pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch, and knitters are instructed to adjust needle size accordingly to achieve the correct gauge.
• Increasing and decreasing – standard shaping techniques are used throughout for sleeve tapers, armhole shaping, and neckline shaping.
• Ribbing – 1×1 rib is used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands, providing a neat, stretchy edge finish.
• Seaming – finished pieces are joined using standard mattress stitch or similar seaming methods to assemble the complete garment.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St) – the main body fabric of both garments, formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. This creates a smooth, classic fabric that allows the colourful yarn to take centre stage.
• 1×1 Rib – worked as *K1, P1, repeat from * to last stitch, K1, used for borders, cuffs, and neckbands to add elasticity and a tidy finish.

Materials Required

• Yarn: King Cole Splash DK – a DK (double knit) weight yarn, known for its vibrant self-striping or variegated colourways that produce automatic colour effects as you knit.
• Needles: 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the stated tension of 22 sts and 28 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch. A smaller needle size may be needed for ribbed sections, as is common in garment knitting.

Who Is This Pattern For?

This pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters who are familiar with basic garment construction, including shaping, seaming, and working rib borders. It is an excellent choice for knitters who want to create a colourful, professional-looking children's garment without the complexity of stranded colourwork or intarsia, since the King Cole Splash DK yarn does the decorative work automatically. The two-pattern format offers great value, providing both a