Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Fashion Aran - 5590 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Fashion Aran Cardigan & Sweater – Pattern 5590: Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 5590) provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan with an off-set button band and a sweater. Both garments are worked in King Cole Aran weight yarn, making them ideal intermediate-level projects that deliver a satisfying combination of warmth, texture, and timeless style. The pattern covers a size range of 81–107 cm (32–42 inches), accommodating a broad range of adult fits.

About the Two Designs

Cardigan with Off-Set Button Band

The cardigan is the standout design of this pattern, distinguished by its off-set button band — a contemporary design detail that shifts the button fastening slightly away from the traditional centre-front placement. This creates a subtly asymmetric, fashion-forward finish that sets the garment apart from a conventional cardigan. The off-set band adds visual interest to the front of the piece while maintaining a clean, structured silhouette overall.

The cardigan is constructed using a combination of stitch patterns that add surface texture and depth. As with many Aran-weight cardigans, the body and sleeves are shaped through careful increases and decreases, and the garment is finished with a neat button band worked in garter stitch to provide stability and prevent rolling at the edges.

Sweater

The sweater design offers a more straightforward pullover silhouette, also knitted in King Cole Aran yarn. It shares the same gauge and general construction approach as the cardigan, making it an excellent companion project or an alternative for knitters who prefer a non-opening garment. The sweater provides a classic, versatile wardrobe staple with the added comfort and cosiness that Aran weight yarn naturally delivers.

Techniques Used

Both garments are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically front(s), back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key construction techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Increasing and decreasing for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, and neckline shaping
• Tension/gauge checking before commencing, which the pattern strongly emphasises as essential for achieving the correct fit
• Picking up stitches along front edges to work the off-set button band
• Seaming to join the knitted pieces into a finished garment
• Working alternate rows and following repeat sequences within stitch patterns

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a combination of classic knitting stitches and stitch patterns:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side; used for smooth fabric sections of the garments
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) — purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side; used to create contrast texture within the pattern
• Garter stitch (gst) — every row knitted; typically used for borders, bands, and edgings to create a firm, non-curling edge
• Pattern stitch (patt) — a textured stitch pattern used across the main body of the garments, contributing to the characteristic Aran aesthetic
• Standard knit (K) and purl (P) stitches throughout
• Slip stitch (sl) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) techniques for decreasing
• Stitches worked through the back of the stitch (tbs) for twisted or neater stitch effects

Tension

The pattern specifies two tension measurements, both achieved using 5mm needles:

• 22 stitches and 25 rows to 10cm (4in) measured over the main pattern stitch
• 18 stitches and 25 rows to 10cm (4in) measured over stocking stitch

The pattern explicitly advises knitters to knit a tension square