Hoodie and Gilet in King Cole Chunky - 4383 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 4383: Chunky Knit Hoodie and Gilet Pattern Summary

King Cole pattern 4383 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two distinct designs worked in King Cole Chunky weight yarn: a classic pullover hoodie and a sleeveless gilet (vest). Both garments are knitted at an intermediate difficulty level, making them ideal for confident knitters who are comfortable working with multiple stitch types, shaping techniques, and finishing details. The chunky weight yarn and larger needles mean both projects work up quickly, delivering satisfying results without weeks of fine-gauge work.

The pattern covers a size range of 61–81 cm (24–32 inches) chest, spanning five graduated sizes, making it suitable for a range of figures. Each size is clearly indicated within the pattern instructions, and knitters are advised to circle their chosen size before beginning.

The Hoodie

The hoodie is the more involved of the two designs, featuring a pullover silhouette with a statement hood — a practical and stylish choice worked in King Cole Chunky yarn. The body is constructed in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together in a traditional set-in or drop-shoulder construction style typical of chunky knitwear patterns.

Stitches and Techniques Used in the Hoodie

• Rib stitch: The cast-on edges are worked in a K1, P1 rib, formed over two repeating rows. Row 1 (right side): K1, *P1, K1, repeat from * to end. Row 2: P1, *K1, P1, repeat from * to end. This creates a stretchy, neat border at the cuffs, hem, and other edges.
• Stocking stitch (st-st): The main body fabric is worked in classic stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — producing a smooth, flat fabric that showcases the chunky yarn beautifully.
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st): Also referenced in the pattern, this technique involves purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, creating a textured, bumpy surface that may be used as a contrast or design detail.
• Garter stitch (gst): Every row knitted, producing a ridged, reversible fabric used in specific sections of the garment.
• Neck shaping: The front neckline is shaped using a combination of techniques. A central group of stitches is placed onto a thread holder, and then each side is worked separately. Decreases are worked at the neck edge on the next two rows, followed by further decreases on alternate rows, gradually tapering the neckline to create a neat, fitted opening for the hood.
• Decreasing: The pattern uses K1, psso (knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and K2tog-style decreases to shape armholes, necklines, and other areas. Stitches are decreased on specified rows and every following alternate row to achieve the correct shaping.
• Casting off knitwise: Specified explicitly in the pattern, ensuring a tidy, firm edge on cast-off sections.
• Slipping stitches onto a thread: Centre neck stitches — 11 stitches in most sizes, 13 in the larger sizes — are slipped onto a thread rather than cast off, allowing them to be picked up later for the hood construction.

Construction Notes for the Hoodie

The back is cast on with 41, 45, 47, 51, or 53 stitches depending on size, using 7mm needles for the ribbed border before progressing to the main body. The front mirrors this cast-on and ribbing structure, then diverges for neck shaping. After the shoulder seams are joined, the hood is picked up from the held stitches and worked upward. The use of a yarn thread holder rather than a cast-off on the centre neck stitches is a classic technique that keeps those stitches live and flexible for seamless hood attachment.

The Gilet

The gilet (also known as a sleeveless vest or waistcoat) is the second design in this pattern. It shares the same yarn, needle sizes, and core stitch vocabulary as the hoodie but omits the sleeves and