Tops in King Cole Opium - 4826 - Downloadable PDF

Tops Knitted in King Cole Opium – Pattern 4826

Pattern 4826 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for tops, designed to be worked in King Cole Opium yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in) bust, making it an inclusive and versatile choice for knitters of intermediate skill level. Larger sizes are specifically noted, ensuring the pattern caters to a broad spectrum of body shapes.

About King Cole Opium Yarn

King Cole Opium is a chunky weight yarn known for its distinctive thick and thin texture, which gives finished garments a characterful, artisan appearance. This variable texture is a defining feature of the yarn and is acknowledged within the pattern itself, as it can affect the visual consistency of the fabric. Knitters should be aware of this characteristic when working with Opium, as it contributes to the unique aesthetic of the finished top.

Needles and Tension

The pattern is worked on 6 mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension. The stated tension is:

• 14 stitches and 21 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch

As with all knitting patterns, checking your tension swatch before beginning is strongly recommended. If you have fewer stitches than stated, switch to thinner needles; if you have more stitches, switch to thicker needles. Getting tension right is especially important with a chunky yarn like Opium, where even small variations can significantly affect the finished dimensions of the top.

Techniques and Construction

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, meaning it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to tackle more structured garment shaping. The pattern includes the following techniques and construction elements:

• Shoulder shaping – stitches are cast off in stages, both purlways and knitways, to create a neat, shaped shoulder line
• Neckband construction – a dedicated neckband section is included, worked after the main body pieces are complete
• Seaming – the right shoulder seam is joined as part of the finishing process, with specific instructions about which seams to leave open at particular stages
• Increasing and decreasing – standard garment shaping techniques used throughout to achieve the correct fit across the range of sizes
• Alternating rows – the pattern references alternate row working, a common technique in structured knitwear

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows), which forms the main fabric of the top. Additional stitches and techniques referenced in the abbreviations include:

• Knit (k) – the foundational stitch used on right side rows in stocking stitch
• Purl (p) – used on wrong side rows and in specific shaping and cast-off sequences
• Increase (inc) and decrease (dec) – used for garment shaping at armholes, shoulders, and neckline
• Together (tog) – typically used in decrease methods such as k2tog or p2tog

Pattern Format and Sizing

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible after purchase. It is presented with clear size guidance — knitters are advised to circle the size they wish to make before beginning, a helpful approach when working from a multi-size pattern. Sizes run from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in), with the larger sizes given particular attention in the layout of the instructions.

A Note on Charity

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

Who Is This Pattern For?

This pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters who want to create a stylish, textured top using a chunky yarn that works up quickly. The wide size range