Sweater and Top in King Cole Opium Pallet - 4187 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Opium Palette Sweater and Top – Pattern 4187 – Knitting Pattern Summary

King Cole Pattern 4187 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct designs: a classic Sweater and a lighter Top, both knitted in King Cole Opium Palette yarn. This intermediate-level pattern offers a versatile wardrobe addition, with sizing that spans a wide range from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in) bust measurement, making it accessible to a broad range of knitters and body types.

About the Designs

The Sweater

The Sweater is a fully fashioned knitted garment worked in stocking stitch and reversed stocking stitch, giving it a classic, structured appearance with subtle textural contrast. It features set-in or shaped sleeves worked identically for both sides, noted in the pattern as Sleeves (Both Alike), which simplifies construction. The front includes a shaped neckline, with stitches divided and worked separately to create the neck opening — a hallmark of a well-finished, professional-looking knitwear piece. Rib borders are worked in 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 alternating), which provides neat, elasticated edges at the cuffs and hem.

The Top

The Top is a more lightweight option within the same pattern booklet, also knitted in King Cole Opium Palette yarn. It features 1x1 rib (knit 1, purl 1) detailing, which gives it a finer, more delicate ribbed texture compared to the sweater. The top is constructed with a similar approach to shaping and finishing, making it a great companion piece or a slightly simpler project for knitters who want a seasonal, versatile garment.

Yarn and Materials

Both designs are knitted exclusively in King Cole Opium Palette, a yarn celebrated for its rich, multicoloured palette effect that creates beautiful colour transitions without the need for complex colour-changing techniques. The yarn is available in chunky and DK weights, and the pattern is designed to work with the specific tension requirements of this yarn. The self-striping and tonal qualities of Opium Palette mean that the finished fabric has a naturally decorative appearance, even when worked in straightforward stitch patterns.

• Yarn: King Cole Opium Palette (Chunky and DK weights available)
• Needles: 3.25mm needles are specified for ribbed sections; additional needle sizes will be required for the main body sections as detailed in the full pattern PDF
• Contrast yarn: A contrast yarn is used for certain sections, including the sleeve cast-on and rib borders, adding a design detail to the finished garment

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly if their tension does not match.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to develop their skills further. The following techniques and stitches are featured across both designs:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• Reversed stocking stitch – the purl side of stocking stitch used as the right side of the fabric, creating a distinctive textured surface
• 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) – used for borders and cuffs on the Sweater, providing stretch and a tidy finish
• 1x1 rib (knit 1, purl 1) – used throughout the Top for a finer ribbed texture
• Neck shaping – stitches are divided at the front neck, with remaining stitches held while each side is worked separately to create a neat shaped neckline
• Sleeve construction – both sleeves are worked identically