Dolman Jacket & Top in King Cole Chunky - 4425 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Chunky Dolman Jacket & Top – Pattern 4425: Full Summary

Pattern 4425 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two versatile chunky-weight designs: a Dolman Jacket and a Dolman Top. Both garments are worked in King Cole Chunky yarn and are sized to fit bust measurements of 86–117 cm (34–46 in), making them accessible across a generous range of sizes. The pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an ideal project for those who are relatively new to knitting but want to achieve a stylish, wearable result.

About the Dolman Style

The dolman silhouette is a classic garment shape characterised by sleeves that are integrated directly into the body of the garment rather than set in separately. This construction eliminates the need for complex sleeve-setting techniques, which is one of the reasons this style is well suited to beginner knitters. The result is a relaxed, draped fit that is both comfortable and contemporary. Both the jacket and the top in this pattern share this flattering, easy-to-wear shape.

Garment One: The Dolman Jacket

The Dolman Jacket is a full outerwear piece worked in King Cole Chunky yarn. The jacket features a structured ribbed lower edge and cuffs, transitioning into a smooth stocking stitch body. The back is cast on using 5.5mm needles for the rib section, then the work progresses onto 6mm needles for the main stocking stitch fabric. The dolman sleeve is shaped by casting on additional stitches at the appropriate point to extend the body into the sleeve, creating the characteristic wide, flowing arm. Neck shaping is worked by placing stitches onto a holder and then decreasing at the neck edge over a series of rows and alternate rows to create a neat, fitted neckline. Shoulder shaping completes the top of the garment.

• Back: Cast on ranges from 66 to 86 stitches depending on size, worked first in rib then in stocking stitch.
• Sleeve integration: Additional stitches are cast on mid-pattern to form the dolman sleeve shape, with stitch counts ranging up to 79 stitches across sizes.
• Neck shaping: Stitches are placed on a thread holder, then decreases are worked over 4 rows followed by 2 alternate rows to sculpt the neckline.
• Tension: 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch on 6mm needles.

Garment Two: The Dolman Top

The Dolman Top is a lighter, more casual companion piece to the jacket, also knitted in King Cole Chunky yarn. It shares the same dolman construction and needle sizes but is designed as a standalone top rather than an outerwear layer. Like the jacket, it uses a combination of rib at the edges and stocking stitch for the main body, with the same integrated sleeve shaping. The top is worked to the same tension and size range, ensuring a consistent fit across the pattern collection.

Techniques Used

Both designs in this pattern use a focused set of knitting techniques that are well explained through the abbreviations and row-by-row instructions provided. The combination of techniques makes this pattern educational for beginners while remaining efficient and satisfying to work.

• Rib stitch: A two-by-two rib is used for the welts and cuffs, formed by alternating K1tbs (knit 1 through back of stitch) and P2 sequences on the right side, and P2, K2 on the wrong side. Knitting through the back of the stitch creates a twisted knit rib with a slightly firmer, more defined appearance than standard rib.
• Stocking stitch (st-st): The main body fabric is worked in classic stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — producing a smooth, flat fabric ideal for chunky yarn.
• Increasing (inc): Increases are used during sleeve shaping to build the dolman silhouette gradually.
• Decreasing (dec): Decreases are worked at the neck edge and during shoulder shaping to