Sweater and Slipover in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK - 5706 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Big Value Tweed DK Sweater and Slipover – Pattern 5706 Summary

Pattern 5706 from King Cole is a knitting pattern offering two classic designs for children: a sweater (a fully sleeved pullover) and a slipover (a sleeveless vest). Both garments are worked in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK yarn, making this an excellent project for knitters who enjoy producing neat, textured knitwear with a traditional aesthetic. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and have moved beyond beginner projects.

Garments Included

The Sweater

The sweater is a classic, fully sleeved children's pullover designed to be practical and comfortable. It features a neat neckline and is constructed in the round of flat knitted panels that are seamed together. The design is clean and timeless, allowing the subtle texture of the Big Value Tweed DK yarn to take centre stage. The sweater is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 51 cm to 71 cm (20 in to 28 in), covering a useful range of children's sizes.

The Slipover

The slipover is a sleeveless version of the pullover, ideal as a layering piece over shirts or long-sleeved tops. Like the sweater, it is sized for chest measurements of 51 cm to 71 cm (20 in to 28 in). The sleeveless construction makes it a slightly quicker knit than the sweater, and it provides a smart, traditional look that works well for both casual and slightly more formal children's wear.

Yarn and Materials

Both designs are worked in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. The tweed effect in this yarn gives the finished fabric a subtle, flecked texture that adds visual interest without the need for complex colourwork or stitch patterning. DK weight yarn is a versatile, mid-weight yarn that knits up at a relatively quick pace while still producing a fine, neat fabric.

• Yarn: King Cole Big Value Tweed DK
• Weight: Double Knit (DK)
• Recommended Needles: 4mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for both garments to come out at the intended size. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly — moving to a finer needle if there are too few stitches to 10 cm, or a larger needle if there are too many.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern uses a combination of classic, well-established knitting stitches and techniques that are characteristic of traditional British knitwear design.

Stocking Stitch

Stocking stitch forms the main fabric of both garments. It is worked by alternating a knit row on the right side with a purl row on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat fabric on the right side. Stocking stitch is the most commonly used knitting stitch for garments and creates an ideal base for showcasing the tweed fleck of the yarn.

1x1 Rib

1x1 rib is used for the welts, cuffs, and neckbands of both garments. It is worked by alternating knit one stitch and purl one stitch across the row, creating a stretchy, elastic fabric that helps edges retain their shape and sit neatly against the body. The pattern specifies the 1x1 rib as: 1st Row: *K1, P1, rep from * to last st, K1, with the row repeated to form the ribbed sections.

Shaping Techniques

Both garments involve standard garment shaping techniques appropriate for an intermediate level knitter. These include: