Sweater & Cardigan in King Cole Riot DK - 4680 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater & Cardigan Knitted in King Cole Riot DK – Pattern 4680

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (King Cole pattern number 4680) provides instructions for two garments: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both knitted in King Cole Riot DK yarn. The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty and is suitable for experienced knitters looking to work with a self-striping, multi-tonal yarn. Sizes range from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making both designs accessible across a broad range of adult sizes.

King Cole Riot DK is a popular self-patterning double knitting yarn known for its vibrant, variegated colour sequences. Because the yarn creates its own colour changes as you knit, both garments take on a lively, textured appearance without requiring the knitter to manage multiple yarn colours manually. This makes it a rewarding choice for showcasing stitch patterns that complement rather than compete with the yarn's natural colour movement.

Techniques and Construction

Both garments are worked using a combination of classic knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced skill level. The pattern incorporates shaping through increasing and decreasing, and garment pieces are worked flat before being seamed together. Key construction techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Tension/gauge matching – The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over lace pattern using 4mm needles, making accurate gauge swatch knitting essential before beginning either garment.
• Seaming – Individual pieces such as fronts, back, and sleeves are knitted separately and joined, as is typical for traditionally constructed sweaters and cardigans.
• Shaping – Armhole, neck, and sleeve shaping are achieved through standard decreasing and increasing methods, including techniques such as slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso) and knitting or purling stitches together.
• Lace pattern – The primary fabric is a lace pattern, worked over the body and sleeves, adding an elegant openwork texture to both designs. The yarn forward (yfwd) technique is used to create the characteristic eyelets of lace knitting.

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a selection of foundational and decorative knitting stitches. Knitters working from this pattern will encounter:

• Lace Pattern – The main stitch pattern used across both garments, creating an openwork fabric that pairs beautifully with the colour variation of King Cole Riot DK.
• Stocking Stitch (St-St) – A classic knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side fabric, likely used for certain sections such as sleeves or yoke areas.
• 1x1 Rib – Alternating knit one, purl one ribbing, typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide stretch and a neat, professional finish.
• Garter Stitch (G-St) – All rows knitted, producing a reversible, slightly textured fabric, often used for borders or button bands on the cardigan.
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – Used within the lace pattern to create decorative eyelets.
• Slip stitch decreases – Including s1, k1, psso (slip one knitways, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) for directional shaping within the lace and garment shaping.
• Knitting through the back of loops (tbl) – Used to create twisted stitches where specified, adding definition to certain stitch sequences.

The Sweater

The pullover sweater is a classic over-the-head design featuring the decorative lace pattern as the primary fabric. The combination of the lace stitch with King Cole Riot DK's self-striping colour effect creates a garment that looks intricate and visually rich while being constructed from a single yarn. Ribbed edgings at the hem, cuffs, and neckline provide structure and a polished finish. The advanced rating reflects the need to maintain lace pattern repeats accurately while simultaneously working garment shaping