Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole DK - 4168 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater Knitting Pattern by King Cole – Pattern 4168 in DK Weight Yarn

This King Cole pattern 4168 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic garment designs: a cardigan and a sweater (jumper), both knitted in King Cole DK (double knitting) weight yarn. The pattern is sized to fit chest measurements of 81–107 cm (32–42 inches), making it suitable for a range of adult sizes. Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to work with textured stitch patterns and garment shaping.

As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase, adding a charitable dimension to your crafting.

About the Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan design is a knitted open-front garment featuring structured shaping and a textured stitch pattern. Cardigans of this style typically include front bands, set-in or shaped armholes, and a neat neckline finish. The use of a stitch pattern (patt) across the body gives the fabric visual interest and texture beyond plain stocking stitch, making this a rewarding project for intermediate knitters looking to develop their skills.

The Sweater (Jumper)

The sweater is a classic pullover design worked in stocking stitch (st-st), where the right side is knitted and the wrong side is purled, creating a smooth, traditional fabric. The pattern includes standard garment construction with shaped armholes, a defined neckline, and neat finishing. The sweater offers a clean, timeless silhouette suitable for everyday wear.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern draw on a range of knitting stitches and techniques, including:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – right side knit, wrong side purl; the foundation of the sweater fabric
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) – right side purl, wrong side knit; used for textural contrast
• Garter stitch (gst) – every row knitted; commonly used for borders, bands, and edgings
• Stitch pattern (patt) – a structured repeat used across the cardigan body, adding texture and design detail
• Increasing (inc) and decreasing (dec) – essential for shaping sleeves, armholes, and necklines
• Slip stitch (sl) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) – used in shaping and decorative decrease sequences
• Knitting through the back of stitch(es) (tbs) – creates a twisted stitch effect, often used in shaping
• Yarn forward (yfwd) and yarn back (ybk) – used to create yarn-overs for decorative or structural purposes
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the two fundamental stitches that underpin all elements of both designs

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies two tension measurements:

• 29 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the stitch pattern on 4 mm needles
• 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles

Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension square before beginning either garment. If your stitch count differs from the stated tension, adjusting needle size up or down will help achieve the correct gauge and ensure the finished measurements match the pattern sizing.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

Both the cardigan and sweater are designed to be knitted using King Cole DK (double knitting) weight yarn. DK is one of the most versatile and widely used yarn weights in knitting, sitting between lightweight sport yarn and heavier aran weight. It produces a fabric that is warm yet not