Sweater & Slipover in King Cole Drifter 4ply - 5385pdf - Downloadable PDF

Sweater & Slipover Knitting Pattern in King Cole Drifter 4ply (Pattern 5385)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole includes instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a sweater and a slipover (a sleeveless pullover vest). Both garments are worked in King Cole Drifter 4ply yarn and are sized to fit a range of chest measurements from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making them accessible across a broad range of adult sizes. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further.

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About the Designs

The Sweater

The sweater is a timeless, wearable garment designed to showcase the beautiful tonal and variegated colour effects of King Cole Drifter 4ply yarn. Constructed in the round or flat depending on the section, the sweater features a clean, classic silhouette that works well as both a casual and smart-casual piece. The combination of structured ribbing at the hems and cuffs with a smooth stocking stitch body gives it a polished, finished appearance.

The Slipover

The slipover is a sleeveless vest-style garment, ideal for layering over shirts or blouses or wearing as a standalone top in warmer weather. Like the sweater, it benefits from the self-striping and drifting colour qualities of King Cole Drifter 4ply, meaning the yarn itself creates visual interest without the need for complex colourwork techniques. The slipover is a great project for knitters looking to practise shaping techniques such as armhole and neckline decreases in a more manageable, sleeve-free format.

Yarn and Materials

Both designs are knitted in King Cole Drifter 4ply, a lightweight 4ply weight yarn celebrated for its softly blended, multi-tonal colourways that create a naturally drifting, almost watercolour-like effect in the finished fabric. The yarn's fine weight produces a delicate, elegant drape that is particularly flattering in fitted garments like these.

• Yarn: King Cole Drifter 4ply
• Needle size: 3.25mm knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct tension
• Tension: 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 3.25mm needles

Achieving the correct tension is essential with a fine 4ply yarn. The pattern advises that if fewer stitches than stated are obtained over 10cm, knitters should switch to a finer needle; if more stitches are obtained, a larger needle should be used. Taking time to knit and measure a tension swatch before beginning will help ensure the finished garment matches the intended sizing.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern makes use of a focused selection of classic knitting stitches and techniques, appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main body fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — producing a smooth, flat fabric that allows the colour gradients of the Drifter 4ply yarn to show to their best advantage.
• 2x2 Rib: Ribbing worked over a two-knit, two-purl repeat is used for the welts, cuffs, and neckbands. This stretchy, structured stitch creates neat, elasticated edges that help garments retain their shape and fit snugly at the body openings.
• Decreasing: Shaping for armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps (on the sweater) is achieved through standard decrease techniques. The pattern references abbreviations including k2tog (knit two together), p2tog (purl two together), sl1, k1, psso (slip one st