Round Neck & V Neck Sweater in King Cole DK - 4261 - Downloadable PDF

Round Neck & V Neck Sweater in King Cole DK – Pattern 4261

This King Cole pattern 4261 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a classic round neck and V neck sweater, offering knitters the choice of two popular neckline styles in a single pattern. Sized to fit chest measurements from 66/71 cm (26/28 in) up to 117/122 cm (46/48 in), the pattern covers a wide range of adult sizes, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Rated as intermediate difficulty, it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further.

King Cole also donates to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern purchased, so buying this pattern supports a worthwhile charitable cause.

Designs Included

Round Neck Sweater

The round neck version is a timeless, wardrobe-friendly sweater with a neat, classic crew neckline. This style is universally flattering and suitable for everyday wear, making it an ideal project for knitters who want a finished garment they will reach for again and again. The round neck finish is achieved through careful shaping and neckband construction, techniques that intermediate knitters will find both instructive and rewarding.

V Neck Sweater

The V neck version shares the same body construction but features a distinctive V-shaped neckline, which requires careful symmetrical decreasing on both sides of the centre front to achieve the characteristic angled opening. The V neck is a perennially popular choice that adds a slightly more tailored, smart-casual feel to the finished sweater. Knitters working this version will practise the technique of working each side of the neckline separately to maintain the correct shaping.

Techniques and Construction

Both sweaters are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a front, back, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method is well suited to intermediate knitters and produces a structured, durable garment. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Shaping through increasing and decreasing — used to shape the armholes, sleeves, and necklines on both versions
• Neckline shaping — the V neck requires working both sides of the front separately with mirrored decreases, while the round neck uses a more gradual curved cast-off
• Cable knitting — the pattern includes a C4F (Cable 4 Front) special abbreviation, indicating that a cable panel or cable detail features in the main pattern. C4F involves slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at the front of the work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the held stitches to create a left-crossing cable twist
• Tension/gauge matching — the pattern specifies two tension measurements, underscoring the importance of achieving the correct stitch and row count before beginning

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of several key knitting stitches and stitch patterns:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the primary fabric stitch, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic knitted fabric. The tension over stocking stitch is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) using 4 mm needles
• Main pattern stitch — a separate stitch pattern is used across sections of the sweater, with a tension of 23 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) on 4 mm needles, suggesting a slightly denser or textured pattern repeat
• Cable stitch (C4F) — a four-stitch front cable cross that creates a raised, twisted rope-like column of stitches, adding visual interest and texture to the design
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the foundational stitches used throughout, including for any ribbed welts, cuffs, and neckbands typical of this style of sweater

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The pattern specifies:

• 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm