Tabbards Knitted in King Cole Harvest DK - 5786 - Downloadable PDF

Tabbards Knitted in King Cole Harvest DK – Pattern 5786

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole provides instructions for knitting classic tabbards — a versatile, sleeveless over-garment that sits flat at the front and back and is open at the sides. Tabbards are an excellent choice for layering over blouses, shirts, or long-sleeved tops, making them a practical and stylish addition to any wardrobe. The pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an ideal project for those who are relatively new to knitting and looking to build confidence with a wearable, rewarding make.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, accommodating chest measurements from 76 cm to 112 cm (30 in to 44 in). This generous size range makes the pattern accessible for a variety of body types, and the simple, open silhouette of a tabbard naturally lends itself to a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Yarn and Materials

The tabbards are designed to be knitted in King Cole Harvest DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. DK is one of the most popular yarn weights in hand knitting — it works up at a satisfying pace while still producing a fabric with good stitch definition, making it well suited to both textured and straightforward stocking stitch projects. As a King Cole yarn, Harvest DK is the recommended choice to achieve the correct drape and finished measurements.

• Yarn: King Cole Harvest DK
• Needle size: 4mm knitting needles (straight or circular), or the size required to achieve the correct tension
• Additional tool: A cable needle (CN) is required for the cable stitch elements of the design

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for ensuring the finished tabbard matches the intended measurements. As noted in the pattern, if your tension produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to a finer needle; if it produces more stitches, switch to a larger needle.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Despite being a beginner-level pattern, the design incorporates a pleasing variety of stitches and techniques that add visual interest to the finished garment:

• Stocking Stitch: The main fabric of the tabbard is worked in classic stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — producing a smooth, even fabric that forms the body of the garment.
• 2x2 Rib: A two-by-two rib is used, worked over a repeat of knit 2, purl 2. Ribbing is typically used at edges and hems to create a neat, slightly elasticated border that helps the garment keep its shape.
• C4F (Cable Four Front): This cable stitch is worked by slipping the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at the front of the work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a classic left-leaning cable twist, adding a decorative textured element to the design.
• T3F (Twist Three Front): Another cable-style technique worked by slipping stitches onto a cable needle and holding at the front of the work, adding further textural detail to the pattern.
• Slip Stitch (s1): One stitch is slipped knitways as part of the pattern construction.

Key Knitting Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

• K – Knit
• P – Purl
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side
• Rep – Repeat
• Rem – Remaining
• Tog – Together
• Cont – Continue