Ladies’ Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole Majestic DK - 4923 - Downloadable PDF

Ladies' Cardigan & Waistcoat Knitting Pattern – King Cole Majestic DK (Pattern 4923)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides full instructions for creating two classic ladies' garments: a cardigan and a waistcoat (vest). Both designs are worked in King Cole Majestic DK yarn and are sized to fit bust measurements of 81–107 cm (32–42 in), making them accessible across a range of sizes. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and are ready to develop their skills further.

About the Designs

Ladies' Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless wardrobe staple, designed to be flattering and wearable across a broad range of occasions. Knitted in King Cole Majestic DK, the finished fabric has a beautiful drape and a subtle lustre characteristic of this yarn. The cardigan features classic shaping through the body and sleeves, with neat finishing at the edges and front opening. As a layering piece, it offers both warmth and versatility, working equally well over casual or smarter outfits.

Ladies' Waistcoat

The waistcoat (sleeveless vest) is a stylish and practical alternative to the cardigan, sharing the same yarn and overall aesthetic but offering a lighter, more streamlined silhouette. It is ideal for transitional seasons or as a layering piece over blouses and shirts. The waistcoat uses the same tension and general construction approach as the cardigan, meaning knitters who wish to make both garments will find the techniques consistent throughout the pattern.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted in King Cole Majestic DK, a double knit weight yarn. King Cole Majestic DK is known for its smooth, even construction and its subtle sheen, which gives finished garments an elevated, polished appearance. The yarn's DK weight makes it a practical choice — it knits up at a satisfying pace while still producing a fabric with good stitch definition, ideal for the clean lines of both the cardigan and waistcoat silhouettes.

• Yarn: King Cole Majestic DK
• Needle size: 4 mm needles (or the size required to achieve the correct tension)
• Format: Downloadable PDF — available immediately after purchase

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for both garments to come out at the stated sizes. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before casting on. If your swatch produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to thinner needles; if it produces more stitches, switch to thicker needles.

Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a range of standard knitting techniques used in garment construction. Knitters working through this pattern will use or encounter the following methods:

• Shaping: Both increasing and decreasing are used throughout to shape the body, armholes, and neckline of each garment. Techniques include make 1 (m1) increases and standard decrease methods.
• Slipping stitches: The pattern references slipping stitches knitways and passing slipped stitches over (psso), common techniques used in neat, directional decreasing.
• Working through the back of the loop (tbl): Used to create twisted stitches for a cleaner, tighter finish in specific areas.
• Cable needle (CN): Referenced in the abbreviations, suggesting cable or crossing techniques may feature in one or both designs, adding textural interest to the fabric.
• Pattern repeats: Structured stitch pattern repeats are used, requiring the knitter to follow a set sequence of rows or rounds to build up the fabric design.
• Seaming and finishing: As with most garment patterns, the pieces are worked flat and then joined, requiring neat seaming for a professional finish.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch