Sweater and Cardigan in King Cole Cottonsmooth DK - 5746pdf - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 5746: Sweater and Cardigan Knitting Pattern in Cottonsmooth DK – Full Pattern Summary

This King Cole pattern 5746 is a downloadable PDF offering instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both knitted in King Cole Cottonsmooth DK yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is suitable for knitters who are comfortable working with multiple stitch types, shaping techniques, and following multi-size instructions. Sizes range from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in) chest, making it a versatile pattern that covers a wide range of adult sizes.

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About the Yarn and Needles

Both garments are worked in King Cole Cottonsmooth DK, a double knit weight yarn. The pattern calls for 4mm knitting needles as the primary needle size to achieve the correct tension, along with 3.25mm needles for the ribbed welts and borders. A cable needle (CN) is also required for the cable stitch detail featured in the designs.

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential before beginning. If your tension produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to a finer needle; if it produces more stitches, switch to a larger needle.

Design One: The Sweater

Construction and Shaping

The sweater is a classic pullover construction worked in separate pieces — front, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The front begins by casting on between 121 and 173 stitches depending on the chosen size, using 3.25mm needles for the lower ribbed welt. The welt is worked over 23 rows in 1x1 rib, giving a neat, stretchy lower edge.

On the 24th row, stitches are increased at regular intervals using the M1 (make one) technique, which involves picking up the loop between the last and next stitch and working into the back of it to avoid a hole. This increase row adds stitches to accommodate the pattern repeat, including 3 extra stitches per cable where cables are featured.

The body is then worked upward in the main pattern until the front reaches the required length before armhole shaping begins. Armhole shaping is worked by decreasing at each end of the needle on right-side rows, with the stitch count carefully reduced over several rows. The pattern notes the start of the armhole shaping clearly so knitters can track their progress.

Neck Shaping

Once the front reaches the required length — between 48 cm and 56 cm depending on size — neck shaping begins. The stitches are divided, with a central group of stitches placed onto a stitch holder to be picked up later for the neckband. Each shoulder section is worked separately, with stitches decreased at the neck edge on successive rows using P2tog (purl two together) decreases on wrong-side rows. The remaining shoulder stitches — between 6 and 9 stitches per side depending on size — are then cast off to complete each shoulder.

Design Two: The Cardigan

The cardigan shares the same yarn, needle sizes, and tension requirements as the sweater but is constructed as an open-fronted garment with separate front bands or button bands. Like the sweater, it features a 1x1 ribbed welt at the lower edge worked on 3.25mm needles, transitioning to the main body pattern on 4mm needles after the increase row.

The cardigan fronts are worked individually, allowing for the shaping of both the armhole and the front opening edge. Button and buttonhole bands are a characteristic feature of cardigan construction, and the open front design makes it a practical and versatile layering piece. The same range of sizes — 81 cm to 127 cm — applies to the cardigan as to the sweater.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Main Stitch