Cardigan and Waistcoat Knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK - 5724 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Cardigan and Waistcoat Knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK – Pattern 5724

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for two coordinating garments: a cardigan and a waistcoat (vest), both knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK yarn. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty and is designed to fit a wide range of sizes, from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in) chest/bust measurements, making it an inclusive and versatile choice for a broad range of knitters.

As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase, adding a charitable dimension to your crafting.

Garments Included

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a classic layering piece worked in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK, a yarn celebrated for its vibrant, self-striping colorways that evoke the warmth and colour of tropical beaches. Because the yarn stripes automatically as you knit, the finished cardigan features beautiful colour gradients without the need for manual colour changes or intarsia techniques — making it an excellent project for intermediate knitters who want impressive results with straightforward construction.

The cardigan is structured with traditional shaping and finishing details typical of a well-fitted, wearable garment. Ribbed edgings provide a neat, professional finish at the cuffs, hem, and button bands.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat (sleeveless cardigan or vest) is the second design included in this pattern. Like the cardigan, it is worked in King Cole Paradise Beaches DK and benefits from the same self-striping yarn effect. The waistcoat is an ideal standalone garment for layering over shirts or blouses, and its sleeveless construction makes it a quicker knit than the full cardigan — well suited to knitters who want to enjoy the yarn's colour effects in a shorter timeframe.

Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows. This smooth, classic fabric allows the self-striping colours of King Cole Paradise Beaches DK to show at their best.
• 1x1 Rib: Ribbing is used for the welts, cuffs, and edgings. The 1x1 rib is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row, creating a stretchy, elastic fabric that helps garments retain their shape and fit snugly at the edges.
• Shaping: Both garments incorporate standard knitting shaping techniques including increasing and decreasing to form armholes, necklines, and fitted silhouettes.
• Tension/Gauge Matching: The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 4mm knitting needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the garments to knit up to the stated measurements, and the pattern advises adjusting needle size accordingly — moving to a finer needle if too few stitches are achieved, or a larger needle if too many.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) — the foundation stitch of stocking stitch and rib
• Purl (P) — used on wrong side rows in stocking stitch and alternated with knit in rib
• Slip one stitch knitways (s1) — used in decrease sequences
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) — a left-leaning decrease technique
• Knit two together (tog) — a standard right-leaning decrease
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used to create yarn-overs where required
• Through back of loop (tbl) — a technique that twists a stitch, often used in decrease combinations for a neater finish

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole Paradise Beaches DK