Cardigan and Sweater Knitted in King Cole Merino Blend DK - 5671 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater Knitted in King Cole Merino Blend DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating both a cardigan and a matching sweater using King Cole Merino Blend DK yarn. The designs are suitable for a range of sizes, accommodating chest measurements from 81 to 107 centimeters (32 to 42 inches). Both garments are worked at an intermediate difficulty level, making them appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques essential to garment construction. Tension swatching is emphasized as a critical first step before beginning either garment, ensuring proper fit and fabric characteristics. The instructions utilize increasing and decreasing methods to shape the body, sleeves, and necklines of both pieces. Stitch manipulation techniques are incorporated throughout the pattern work, and garment assembly is required to join the various knitted pieces together into finished cardigans and sweaters.

Stitches Used

The pattern combines several fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Stockinette stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, providing a smooth, classic appearance
• Reversed stockinette stitch (rev st-st) – the inverse of stockinette, with purl stitches on the right side and knit stitches on the wrong side, used for textural contrast
• Garter stitch (gst) – created by knitting every row, producing a textured, ridged fabric often used for borders and edgings
• Pattern stitches – the instructions include stitch pattern repeats that add visual interest beyond basic stockinette

Materials and Specifications

Both garments are designed to be knitted with King Cole Merino Blend DK yarn, a double knit weight that offers the softness and breathability of merino wool blended with other fibers for durability and ease of care. The pattern specifies 4mm knitting needles as the primary tool for fabric creation.

Tension requirements are provided for two different stitch contexts: 24 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over pattern stitches on 4mm needles, and 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stockinette stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper garment sizing and drape.

Additional Information

This pattern is offered as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to the full instructions for both the cardigan and sweater designs. With each King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, supporting important charitable work. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and terminology, making it accessible to intermediate-level knitters familiar with common pattern notation.