Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Cottonsoft DK - 5124pdf - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Cottonsoft DK – Pattern 5124

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 5124) presents two classic garment designs — a cardigan and a sweater — both featuring elegant raglan sleeves and a sophisticated cable panel detail. The pattern is graded as intermediate in difficulty and is sized to fit a wide range of adults, covering chest measurements from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making it a versatile choice for knitters who want a project that can be adapted across larger sizes.

Both garments share the same foundational construction and stitch vocabulary, giving knitters the opportunity to make either a pull-on sweater or a button-front cardigan using the same set of techniques. The raglan sleeve shaping is a defining feature of both designs, creating a smooth, diagonal seam from the underarm to the neckline that gives a neat, fitted finish without a traditional set-in shoulder seam.

Garments Included

• Raglan Sleeve Cardigan – A front-opening garment with raglan sleeve construction, worked in a combination of stocking stitch and a decorative cable panel.
• Raglan Sleeve Sweater – A pullover version sharing the same raglan shaping and cable panel detailing, offering a slightly different silhouette and finish.

Techniques Used

• Raglan sleeve shaping – A classic construction method where the sleeve and body are decreased simultaneously along diagonal lines, eliminating the need for a set-in armhole. The raglan sections in this pattern are worked over 30 rows to 10 cm/4 in due to the fashion shaping involved.
• Cable knitting – A textured technique that involves crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle (CN) to create twisted rope-like or woven patterns. The cable panel in this pattern measures approximately 6 cm wide and is worked over 18 stitches, with the full cable repeat established over 16 rows.
• Ribbing – 1x1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches) is used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands, providing a neat, stretchy edging that helps garments retain their shape.
• Stocking stitch (St-St) – The main fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch, knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing the cable panel.
• Making stitches (M1) – An increase technique used to add stitches by picking up the horizontal loop between two existing stitches and working into the back of it to avoid a hole.
• Twist stitches – T4BP (Twist 4 Back Purl) and T4FK (Twist 4 Front Knit) are used within the cable panel to create diagonal movement of stitches across a purl background, adding complexity and visual interest to the design.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – The fundamental building blocks of all the fabric structures in this pattern.
• 1x1 Rib – Alternating K1, P1 across rows for stretchy edgings.
• Stocking Stitch – Knit right-side rows, purl wrong-side rows.
• C6B – Cable 6 Back: slip 3 stitches to cable needle held at back, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle, creating a right-leaning cable cross.
• C6F – Cable 6 Front: slip 3 stitches to cable needle held at front, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle, creating a left-leaning cable cross.
• T4BP – Twist 4 Back Purl: slip 1 stitch to cable needle held at back, knit 3, then purl the stitch from the cable needle.