Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole DK - 4256 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole DK – Pattern 4256

This King Cole pattern 4256 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a waistcoat, both knitted in King Cole DK weight yarn. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to tackle more structured garment construction. Both designs are sized to fit chest measurements of 81–107 cm (32–42 in), covering a generous range of adult sizes.

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About the Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless, versatile layering piece suitable for everyday wear. As a structured knitted garment, it typically features front button bands, set-in or shaped sleeves, and a neat neckline finish — all hallmarks of a well-crafted hand-knitted cardigan. Working a cardigan at intermediate level involves shaping techniques such as armhole and neckline decreases, as well as picking up stitches along button bands and neckbands to achieve a polished, professional finish.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless companion piece, ideal for those who want a smart, layered look without the added warmth of full sleeves. Waistcoats require careful attention to armhole shaping and front band finishing, and they are an excellent project for knitters looking to practise garment construction in a slightly more compact format. Like the cardigan, this design is worked in King Cole DK yarn, ensuring a consistent, neat fabric with excellent stitch definition.

Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern are constructed using a range of classic knitting techniques appropriate for the intermediate knitter:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, flat surface ideal for DK weight garments
• Shaping and decreasing – including techniques such as slip one, knit one, pass slip stitch over (psso) and knitting stitches together (tog) to shape armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps
• Increasing – used to shape sleeves and other panels as the garment grows
• Cable needle (CN) work – the pattern includes cable needle references in its abbreviations, suggesting decorative cable or textured detailing may feature in one or both designs
• Rib stitch – commonly used in DK garment patterns for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide stretch and a neat edge
• Picking up stitches – essential for adding button bands, neckbands, and armhole edgings neatly after the main pieces are complete
• Working from both right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) – the pattern clearly distinguishes RS and WS rows throughout

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental knitting stitch, used throughout both garments
• Purl (P) – worked on wrong side rows to create stocking stitch, and used in rib and textured sections
• Stocking stitch – the main body fabric of both designs
• Rib stitch – for borders, cuffs, and edgings
• Slip stitch (sl) – used in decrease sequences such as sl1, K1, psso
• Cable stitch – referenced via cable needle (CN) abbreviation, indicating structured cable or cross-stitch detailing

Tension

The stated tension for both designs is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch, using 4 mm (US size 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential before beginning either garment — knitters are advised to work a tension square first and adjust needle size accordingly. If fewer stitches than stated appear over