Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Ultra-Soft Chunky - 5690 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Ultra-Soft Chunky – Pattern 5690

Pattern 5690 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring cardigans knitted in King Cole Ultra-Soft Chunky yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, this pattern covers a generous size range of 81–127 cm (32–50 in) chest, making it accessible to a wide range of body types. The pattern includes at least a Short Cardigan design, worked in a richly textured stitch pattern that gives the finished garment a cosy, tactile quality perfectly suited to a chunky-weight yarn.

For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, so buying this pattern also supports a meaningful charitable cause.

Short Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Short Cardigan is a classic, relaxed-fit knitted cardigan worked in pieces — including a Back, Right Front (and by mirror, a Left Front), and presumably sleeves — which are then seamed together. The shorter length and chunky yarn weight make this an ideal project for a warm, stylish layering piece. The design features a shaped front slope for a neat, tailored neckline, and structured shoulder shaping for a clean fit.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on – used to begin the Back and other pieces, this technique creates a neat, slightly elastic edge well suited to chunky knitting.
• Tension/gauge swatching – the pattern strongly emphasises checking tension before beginning, noting that needle size should be adjusted up or down as needed to achieve the correct stitch and row count.
• Shaping – the Right Front features a front slope shaping worked through a series of decreases: 1 stitch decreased at the beginning of specified rows, with decreases occurring on every 4th row and every 6th row across multiple repeats. This gradual shaping creates a smooth diagonal neckline.
• Shoulder shaping – worked after the front slope is complete, ensuring the front pieces align correctly with the back at the shoulder seam.
• Seaming – as a construction method, the individual knitted pieces are joined together to form the finished cardigan.

Stitches Used

• 1×1 Rib – worked as k1, p1 on right-side rows and p1, k1 on wrong-side rows. This classic ribbing stitch is typically used for welts, cuffs, and button bands, providing stretch and a tidy, structured edge.
• Stocking Stitch – the smooth, classic knit-side fabric formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. One of the two stitch patterns used to check tension.
• Textured Pattern – a multi-row repeat stitch pattern that forms the main body fabric of the cardigan. This pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in a structured sequence across 8 rows, creating a raised, tactile surface. The textured pattern is size-dependent, with stitch counts adjusted at the beginning and end of rows to accommodate different chest sizes. Specific rows include:
  • Rows 1–2: 1×1 rib foundation rows
  • Rows 3–4: a k3, p1 and p3, k1 repeat sequence
  • Rows 5–6: repeat of rows 1 and 2
  • Rows 7–8: a k1, p1, k2 and p1, k1, p2 repeat sequence, shifting the texture diagonally
• M1P (Make One Purlwise) – an increase stitch worked by picking up the horizontal loop lying between two needles and purling into the back of it, creating a neat, nearly invisible increase on the purl side.
• Psso (Pass Slipped Stitch Over) – a decrease technique used in shaping, worked by slipping a stitch, knitting the next stitch, and then passing the