Waistcoat & Sweater in King Cole Fashion Aran - 4241 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Fashion Aran Pattern 4241 – Waistcoat & Sweater Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

Pattern 4241 from King Cole is an intermediate-level knitting pattern offering two classic designs in one downloadable PDF: a waistcoat and a sweater, both knitted in King Cole Fashion Aran yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, from 86/91 cm (34/36 in) up to 127/132 cm (50/52 in), making it suitable for a broad range of adult figures. As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

Yarn, Needles, and Tension

Both designs are worked in King Cole Fashion Aran, an Aran/worsted weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition — particularly important when working textured and cable patterns. The recommended needle size is 5mm knitting needles, though knitters are advised to adjust needle size as necessary to achieve the correct tension. A cable needle (CN) is also required for cable work featured in the designs.

The stated tension is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 5mm needles. Checking tension before beginning is strongly recommended, as achieving the correct tension ensures accurate sizing and fit across all the size options offered.

Design One: The Sweater

What Is Being Made

The first design is a classic knitted sweater worked in King Cole Fashion Aran yarn. It is a structured, fitted garment suitable for everyday wear and is designed to showcase the rich texture that Aran-weight yarn provides.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the foundational fabric of the sweater, creating a smooth knitted surface on the right side
• Cable knitting – worked using a cable needle, cables are a hallmark of traditional Aran knitting and add raised, rope-like texture to the fabric
• Increasing and decreasing – used for shaping the body, armholes, and neckline to achieve a well-fitted silhouette
• Slip stitch techniques – stitches are slipped knitways where specified, contributing to neat shaping and edge finishing
• Pattern repeats – the design uses structured pattern repeats to maintain consistent texture across the garment panels

Construction Notes

The sweater is knitted in separate panels — typically a front, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Shaping is worked through decreasing and increasing at key points such as the armhole and sleeve head. The use of right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) row instructions ensures the texture pattern is correctly placed throughout.

Design Two: The Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The second design is a knitted waistcoat — a sleeveless, tailored garment that works beautifully as a layering piece over shirts or blouses. Like the sweater, it is knitted in King Cole Fashion Aran and shares the same size range of 86/91 cm to 127/132 cm.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – used as the main body fabric, giving the waistcoat a clean, classic finish
• Cable patterns – cable needle work features in the waistcoat, adding decorative Aran-style texture consistent with the sweater design
• Armhole and neckline shaping – achieved through careful decreasing to create neat, fitted openings without sleeves
• Edging and finishing – ribbing or textured borders are typically used on waistcoat fronts, armhole edges, and necklines to give a polished, professional finish
• Pattern repeats – structured repeats maintain visual consistency across the front and back panels

Construction Notes