Sweater & Sleeveless Sweater Knitted in King Cole Aran - 5659 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: King Cole 5659 – Sweater & Sleeveless Sweater Knitted in King Cole Aran

King Cole pattern 5659 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic garment designs in one leaflet: a full-length sweater and a sleeveless sweater (waistcoat/vest), both worked in King Cole Aran weight yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is sized to fit chest measurements of 91–117 cm (36–46 in), making it a versatile choice for a wide range of adult sizes. A donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation is made with every King Cole pattern purchase.

Designs Included

Design 1: The Sweater

The sweater is a classic, structured knit featuring a combination of stocking stitch and cable panel detailing. The garment is constructed in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The neckline is shaped with a divided neck construction, where stitches are placed onto holders or threads and each side is completed separately, creating a neat, finished neckline. The ribbed welts, cuffs, and neckband give the sweater a traditional, polished look.

Design 2: The Sleeveless Sweater (Waistcoat/Vest)

The sleeveless version follows the same overall construction and stitch pattern as the sweater but omits the sleeves entirely, making it a great layering piece or a slightly simpler project for knitters looking to build confidence with Aran-weight cables and shaping. It shares the same ribbed edgings and cable detailing as the sweater, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic between both designs in the pattern.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting – both C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front) are used, creating classic rope and twist cable effects that are the hallmark of Aran knitwear
• Ribbing – a K1, P1 rib is used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main body fabric, worked with knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• Neck shaping and division – stitches are placed onto stitch holders or threads and each side of the neck is worked separately to create a clean neckline
• Increasing and decreasing – standard shaping techniques are used throughout for armholes, necklines, and sleeve shaping
• Tension/gauge swatch knitting – the pattern strongly emphasises checking tension before beginning, which is especially important with cable patterns that can draw in the fabric

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the foundational stitches used throughout
• K1, P1 Rib – for all edgings and bands
• Stocking Stitch (st-st) – the primary background fabric
• C6B – cable 6 back: slip 3 stitches to a cable needle held at the back, knit 3 from the left needle, then knit 3 from the cable needle, creating a right-leaning twist
• C6F – cable 6 front: slip 3 stitches to a cable needle held at the front, knit 3 from the left needle, then knit 3 from the cable needle, creating a left-leaning twist
• Slip stitch (sl), pass slipped stitch over (psso), and knitting through back of stitches (tbs) – used in shaping and finishing details

Materials Required

• Yarn: King Cole Aran weight yarn – a sturdy, warm yarn ideal for textured cable patterns and structured garments
• Needles: 4.5mm needles