Slipover and Sweater in King Cole Merino Blend DK - 6035 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Merino Blend DK Slipover and Sweater – Pattern 6035

Pattern 6035 from King Cole offers knitters two classic knitwear designs worked in King Cole Merino Blend DK: a sleeveless slipover and a traditional sweater. Both garments are sized to fit a range of chest measurements from 81 to 127 cm (32 to 50 inches), making them accessible across a wide spectrum of sizes. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to tackle more decorative stitch work such as cables.

About the Designs

The Slipover

The slipover is a sleeveless vest-style garment, a timeless wardrobe staple that works beautifully as a layering piece over shirts or blouses. The front of the slipover features a richly textured cable panel set against a background of stocking stitch, creating visual interest and structure without the added bulk of sleeves. The ribbed edging gives the garment a neat, professional finish at the hem and armhole openings.

Construction begins by casting on 131, 143, 157, 169, or 183 stitches depending on the chosen size, using 3.25mm needles for the ribbed welt. The welt is worked for 7 cm in 1x1 rib before the main body is established. The body fabric transitions into a combination of stocking stitch and an intricate cable panel that runs up the centre front, incorporating a variety of cable and twist stitches for decorative effect.

The Sweater

The sweater version of this pattern shares the same elegant cable detailing and ribbed edgings as the slipover but adds full sleeves, creating a complete, cosy garment ideal for cooler weather. Like the slipover, it is worked in King Cole Merino Blend DK and features the same size range, ensuring both designs can be made to match or coordinate.

Techniques Used

Both garments make use of a range of knitting techniques that are characteristic of intermediate-level patterns. Knitters will need to be comfortable with the following:

• Casting on and ribbing: The garments begin with a cast-on edge followed by 1x1 rib, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a stretchy, tidy border at the hem and cuffs.
• Stocking stitch: The main body fabric is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows), providing a smooth, classic background for the cable panels.
• Cable knitting: The decorative panels feature multiple cable and twist stitches worked with a cable needle (CN). These add depth and texture to the garment front.
• Shaping: Both designs include increasing and decreasing to shape the armholes, neckline, and (in the sweater) the sleeve head. The pattern uses standard decrease methods alongside the M1 (make one) increase technique.
• Tension/gauge management: The pattern emphasises the importance of achieving the correct tension before beginning, with guidance on adjusting needle size if necessary.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a clearly defined set of stitches and special abbreviations, all of which are explained within the PDF. The key stitches and techniques include:

• 1x1 Rib: Worked over an odd number of stitches by alternating knit and purl stitches, used for all welts and edgings.
• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The foundational fabric of both garments, worked by knitting on right side rows and purling on wrong side rows.
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle. This creates a left-leaning cable cross.
• C4B (Cable