Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Drifter DK - 4543 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Sweater Knitting Pattern in King Cole Drifter DK – Pattern 4543

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents two classic adult garments: a cardigan and a sweater, both knitted in the beautifully variegated King Cole Drifter DK yarn. Designed to fit chest sizes ranging from 86 to 112 cm (34 to 44 inches), the pattern caters to a wide range of adult sizes, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. The pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it best suited to experienced knitters who are comfortable working with cables, shaping, and multi-stitch techniques.

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About King Cole Drifter DK Yarn

Both garments in this pattern are worked in King Cole Drifter DK, a double knit weight yarn celebrated for its softly blended, tonal colour transitions. The self-striping or gradient nature of Drifter DK means that colour interest is built into the fabric as you knit, without the need to manage multiple balls or carry yarns. This makes it an excellent choice for textured stitch patterns, where the gentle colour shifts add depth and visual movement to the finished garment.

Needles and Tension

The pattern is worked on 4mm knitting needles, which is the standard needle size for DK weight yarn. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch. As with all knitting patterns, checking your tension before casting on is essential. If your tension square produces fewer stitches or rows than stated, you should switch to a smaller needle; if it produces more, move to a larger needle. Achieving the correct tension ensures that the finished garment will match the intended measurements and fit correctly across the full range of sizes.

Garment One: The Sweater

The sweater is a classic pullover-style garment designed to showcase the tonal qualities of King Cole Drifter DK. As an advanced-level knit, it incorporates a combination of structured stitch techniques that create surface texture and visual interest across the body and sleeves.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The foundation stitch of the garment, worked with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Garter stitch (gst): Every row knitted, producing a ridged, reversible fabric typically used for borders, hems, and cuffs to provide stability and a neat edge.
• Cable stitch – Cable 10 Back (C10B): A prominent feature of the design, this special abbreviation involves slipping the next 5 stitches onto a cable needle and placing it at the back of the work before completing the cable cross. This technique creates bold, rope-like twisted columns that are a hallmark of traditional knitwear design.
• Shaping techniques: Including increasing (inc) and decreasing (dec) stitches to shape the sleeves, armholes, and neckline.
• Slipping stitches (sl): Used within cable and pattern sequences.
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso): A decrease technique used in shaping sections.
• Knitting stitches together (tog): Another decrease method used in garment shaping.

Garment Two: The Cardigan

The cardigan is a front-opening garment worked in the same King Cole Drifter DK yarn, sharing the same needle size and tension requirements. As a companion piece to the sweater, it is designed to coordinate in style while offering a different silhouette and construction. The cardigan will include additional elements such as button bands and front opening shaping, which are characteristic of cardigan construction at an advanced level.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): Used across the main body panels for a smooth, clean fabric surface that allows the colour gradients of D