Sweaters Knitted in King Cole Bramble DK - 5647 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters Knitted in King Cole Bramble DK – Pattern 5647

King Cole pattern leaflet 5647 is a downloadable PDF offering instructions for two distinct sweater designs knitted in King Cole Bramble DK yarn: a Plain Sweater and a High Neck Sweater. Both garments are sized to fit chest measurements of 81–127 cm (32–50 in), making them suitable for a wide range of adult sizes. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and reading multi-size instructions. A donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every King Cole pattern purchased.

Yarn and Materials

Both sweaters are designed specifically for King Cole Bramble DK, a double knitting weight yarn. The recommended needles are 4mm for the main fabric and 3¼mm needles for the ribbed welts and cuffs. Knitters should always check their tension swatch before beginning, as achieving the correct tension is essential to producing a garment that matches the stated measurements.

• Yarn: King Cole Bramble DK
• Yarn weight: Double knitting (DK)
• Main needles: 4mm
• Rib needles: 3¼mm
• Cast-on method: Thumb method

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if their tension differs — use thinner needles if fewer stitches are produced, and thicker needles if more stitches result. Matching this tension precisely is described as essential to achieving the correct finished size.

Design One: Plain Sweater

The Plain Sweater is a classic, clean-lined pullover worked in a combination of stocking stitch for the main body and sleeves, and rib for the welts and cuffs. It is a timeless, versatile design that suits a wide range of styles and occasions. The structured shaping at the shoulders and neckline gives the finished garment a neat, professional appearance.

Construction and Shaping

The back is cast on using the thumb method with 117[131:145:159:173] stitches on 3¼mm needles. The lower welt is worked in a 1×1 rib (knit 1, purl 1 alternating) for 11 rows before a decrease row is worked to shape the transition into the main body. The body is then continued in stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Neck shaping involves placing a set of central stitches onto a holder and working each shoulder separately, with decreases worked at the neck edge over a series of rows and alternate rows to create a smooth, curved neckline. Shoulder shaping is achieved through a cast-off sequence worked over several rows.

Sleeves and Making Up

Sleeves are folded in half lengthwise and sewn into the armholes with the fold aligned to the shoulder seam, a technique that creates a neat set-in sleeve finish without requiring a separate armhole shaping step. Side and sleeve seams are then joined. The finished sweater is pinned out to the schematic measurements, covered with clean damp tea towels, and left to dry — a standard wet blocking technique that helps the fabric settle and the garment hold its shape.

Stitches and Techniques – Plain Sweater

• Stocking stitch (st-st): Knit on right side, purl on wrong side — forms the smooth main fabric of the body and sleeves
• 1×1 Rib: Knit 1, purl 1 alternating — used for lower welts and cuffs to create a stretchy, neat edge
• Thumb cast-on: A firm, elastic cast-on method well suited to rib edges
• Neck shaping: Stitches placed on holders