Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Bamboo DK - 4173 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater Knitting Pattern – King Cole Bamboo DK 4173

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (King Cole pattern number 4173) includes instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a sweater. Both garments are worked in King Cole Bamboo DK yarn, making them ideal for knitters who appreciate a lightweight, breathable fabric with a beautiful natural drape. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple stitch patterns but are ready to tackle more structured garment construction.

Size Range and Fit

Both the cardigan and the sweater are designed to fit a wide range of sizes, covering chest measurements from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) through to 112/117 cm (44/46 in) — a total of five sizes. This generous size range makes the pattern accessible to a broad audience, from smaller to larger adult figures. The pattern provides separate instructions for each size throughout, allowing knitters to follow their chosen size with confidence.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a structured, classic design featuring a neat neckband and button band finishing. Key construction details visible in the pattern include:

• Neckband shaping worked by picking up stitches evenly around the neck edge — the pattern specifies picking up 122 [130:138:146:154] stitches in total, ensuring a clean, professional finish across all sizes.
• A 2x2 rib neckband, worked over three rows for a tidy, stretchy collar edge.
• Buttonhole placement incorporated into the button band, with cast-off buttonholes worked at regular intervals (the pattern references casting off 2 stitches for each buttonhole).
• Stitch holders used during construction to hold live stitches — for example, 22 [22:22:24:24] stitches are slipped onto a stitch holder during neck shaping, a typical technique for achieving smooth, well-fitted necklines.
• Decrease shaping using slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K1, psso) and purl 2 together (P2tog) methods for neat, directional reductions.

The Sweater

The sweater shares the same yarn and gauge as the cardigan and is worked across the same size range. Like the cardigan, it features careful stitch pattern detailing and structured shaping. The pattern incorporates a cable and rib panel as a central design feature, adding textural interest to an otherwise clean silhouette. The cable and rib arrangement is clearly charted row by row within the pattern, for example:

• Rows alternate between knit and purl arrangements such as K7, P2, K8, P2 sequences combined with 2x2 rib repeats, creating a rhythmic, structured fabric.
• An 8-stitch cable panel (P8 / K8 sequences) runs vertically through the design, providing a classic raised cable effect.
• Side panels in stocking stitch or reverse stocking stitch frame the central motif, with stitch counts adjusting by size — for example, edge stitches are given as K7 [7:9:9:11] to accommodate the full size range.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both garments draw on a combination of foundational and intermediate knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stocking stitch — the standard knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side fabric forming the main body sections.
• 2x2 rib (K2, P2) — used for welts, cuffs, and the neckband, providing elasticity and a neat edge.
• Cable stitch — an 8-stitch cable panel worked through the sweater design, requiring a cable needle to cross stitches and create the characteristic twisted rope effect.
• Decreases — including slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K1, psso) for left-le