Cardigans in King Cole Wool Aran - 5960 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Wool Aran Pattern 5960 – Men's V-Neck and Shawl Collared Cardigans

Pattern 5960 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed for men, offering two classic cardigan styles: a V-neck cardigan and a shawl collared cardigan. Both designs are knitted in King Cole Wool Aran weight yarn, making them substantial, warm, and ideal for everyday wear. The pattern covers chest sizes 97–122 cm (38–48 in), providing an inclusive range of fits for adult men. This is classed as an intermediate level knitting project, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to tackle more structured shaping and textured stitch patterns.

About the Two Cardigan Designs

Men's V-Neck Cardigan

The V-neck cardigan is a timeless wardrobe staple, featuring a clean, open neckline that works equally well over a shirt or a casual t-shirt. The V-shaped neckline requires careful shaping through decreasing on both sides of the front panels, which is one of the key intermediate techniques involved. The structured silhouette and traditional styling make this a versatile piece suitable for both relaxed and smart-casual occasions.

Men's Shawl Collared Cardigan

The shawl collared version offers a more relaxed, cosy aesthetic, featuring a wide, folded collar that wraps around the neckline in a smooth, continuous curve. The shawl collar is a classic feature in menswear knitwear and adds a layer of warmth and visual interest. Achieving a well-fitted shawl collar involves careful picking up stitches and shaping the collar band to lie flat and even — a satisfying challenge for the intermediate knitter.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Primary Stitches

• Stocking stitch – the main fabric of both cardigans, worked by alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic surface
• Cable stitch – worked over a 1 pattern repeat of 22 stitches, adding texture and visual depth to the garment panels
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and button bands to provide stretch and a neat, structured edge

Key Techniques

• Cabling – using a cable needle (CN) to cross groups of stitches and create the raised cable pattern that is a hallmark of Aran-style knitwear
• Decreasing – including psso (pass slipped stitch over) and standard decrease methods used for neckline and armhole shaping
• Make 1 (m1) – increasing by picking up the horizontal strand between the last stitch and the next, used for shaping
• Slipping stitches knitways (s1) – used as part of decrease sequences for a neat finish
• Working through back of loops (tbl) – used to create a twisted stitch effect where specified
• Shaping – armhole, neckline, and shoulder shaping across both designs
• Picking up stitches – for attaching button bands, collar sections, and finishing edges

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated size. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 5 mm needles, or the needle size required to achieve this tension. The cable pattern repeat of 22 stitches measures 9.5 cm (3¾ in). Knitters are advised to check their tension swatch carefully — using thinner needles if fewer stitches are achieved per 10 cm, or thicker needles if more stitches are achieved.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

Yarn

• Brand: King Cole
• Yarn: King Cole Wool Aran