Ladies V Neck Cardigan and Waistcoat Knitted in King Cole Homespun DK - 5792 - Downloadable PDF

Ladies V Neck Cardigan and Waistcoat Knitted in King Cole Homespun DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole provides instructions for creating a ladies V neck cardigan and matching waistcoat. The designs are available in a wide range of sizes, from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 to 50 inches), making them suitable for various body measurements. Both garments feature a flattering V neckline and are constructed as separate but coordinating pieces that can be worn together or independently.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic skills. The pattern incorporates multiple knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture in the finished garments.

Key techniques used in this pattern include:

• Cable knitting, featuring a front cable panel that measures 27 stitches over 9.75 cm (3¾ inches)
• Texture pattern work throughout the main body of the garments
• Yarn forward (yfwd) and yarn round needle (yrn) techniques for creating decorative elements
• Through back of loop (tbl) stitching for reinforced construction
• Decreasing and increasing techniques for shaping the garment pieces

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with more advanced stitch work:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the texture pattern
• Cable stitches created using a cable needle (CN) to produce the distinctive front cable panel
• Yarn overs (yfwd and yrn) for lace-like or decorative details
• Decreases (dec) for shaping armholes, necklines, and waistlines
• Increases (inc) for expanding sections where needed

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with King Cole Homespun DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure. The recommended needle size is 4 mm, though the pattern advises that needle size may be adjusted based on individual tension.

Tension is critical for achieving the correct finished size. The pattern specifies that 23 stitches and 32 rows should measure 10 cm (4 inches) over the texture pattern when worked on 4 mm needles. The front cable panel has its own tension specification: 27 stitches measuring 9.75 cm (3¾ inches). Knitters are advised to check their tension before beginning and adjust needle sizes accordingly—using thinner needles if more stitches are produced, or thicker needles if fewer stitches result.

The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, allowing for convenient access and printing. Each King Cole pattern purchase includes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.