Waistcoat & Top in King Cole Riot Chunky - 5011 - Downloadable PDF

Waistcoat & Top Knitted in King Cole Riot Chunky – Pattern 5011

This King Cole pattern 5011 is a downloadable PDF offering two classic knitwear designs for women: a waistcoat and a top, both knitted in King Cole Riot Chunky yarn. Sized to fit bust measurements from 71 cm to 117 cm (28 in to 46 in), the pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters who want to build confidence while creating a stylish, wearable garment. A donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation is made with every King Cole pattern purchased.

About the Yarn and Materials

King Cole Riot Chunky is a self-striping, multi-tonal chunky-weight yarn that creates eye-catching colour variation without the need to change yarn balls mid-project. Its chunky weight means projects knit up quickly, which is particularly rewarding for beginners. The pattern is worked using 6mm knitting needles as the primary needle size, with 5mm knitting needles used for certain sections such as the front bands and ribbed edges.

Tension

The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 6mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended sizing. If fewer stitches than stated are obtained over 10 cm, a finer needle should be used; if more stitches are obtained, a larger needle is required.

The Waistcoat

Design Overview

The waistcoat is a sleeveless, structured garment featuring a shaped back neck and front opening. It is constructed in separate pieces — a back, a left front, and a right front — which are then seamed together. The design combines texture and practicality, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for casual or smart-casual wear.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main body fabric of the waistcoat is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows. This creates a smooth, classic fabric that shows off the self-striping colour changes of Riot Chunky beautifully.
• Moss Stitch: Used as a textural detail, particularly along the front edges. Moss stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across rows, producing a firm, non-curling fabric that is ideal for borders and button bands. The first row works K1, P1 to the last stitch, K1; the second row works P1, K1 repeated to the end.
• 1x1 Rib: A classic ribbing stitch used at cast-on edges and cuffs or lower borders to provide elasticity and a neat finish. It alternates knit and purl stitches in a one-by-one sequence across both right-side and wrong-side rows.
• Slip Stitch Edge: The front opening of the waistcoat incorporates a slip stitch at the front edge, combined with moss stitch, to create a tidy, stable selvedge. The first stitch of certain rows is slipped rather than knitted, which gives a clean, chain-like edge that lies flat and is easy to pick up for finishing.
• Shaping — Decreasing and Increasing: The pattern uses standard decrease techniques such as P2tog (purl two stitches together) at the neck edge to shape the back neck and front necklines. Increases are also worked to shape the body where required.
• Back Neck Shaping: Stitches are divided using a stitch holder at the back neck, and each shoulder section is worked separately, with decreases worked at the neck edge to achieve a neat, fitted neckline.
• Stitch Holders: Remaining stitches at the back neck are placed on a stitch holder while the first shoulder section is completed, a standard technique for managing live stitches during neck shaping.

Construction Notes

The Left Front is cast on using 5mm needles and begins with a moss stitch and slip