Sweater & Tunic Knitted in King Cole Fjord DK - 5653 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Sweater & Tunic Knitted in King Cole Fjord DK – Design 5653

This King Cole pattern 5653 is a downloadable PDF offering two classic knitwear designs — a sweater and a tunic — both knitted in King Cole Fjord DK yarn. Sized to fit a range of bust/chest measurements from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in), this is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that will appeal to confident knitters looking to create a versatile, wearable wardrobe staple in a popular double knit weight.

Purchasing this pattern also contributes to a good cause — King Cole donates to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every pattern sold.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two separate garments:

• A classic fitted sweater — a timeless pullover with a shaped front neck, set-in sleeves, and ribbed welts, suitable for everyday wear across a wide range of sizes.
• A tunic — a longer-length version of the same design concept, offering a relaxed, on-trend silhouette that can be worn over leggings or slim-fit trousers.

Both garments feature a structured, neat finish with ribbed edgings, shaped armholes, and carefully worked shoulder shaping, making them polished and professional-looking when completed.

Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further:

• Thumb method cast on — used to begin the back and other sections, this technique creates a firm, elastic edge well suited to ribbed borders.
• Shaping — both garments involve increasing and decreasing to shape the body, armholes, sleeves, and neckline. Sleeve shaping, for example, involves regular increases at each end of the needle across multiple rows, building from a cuff to a full sleeve head.
• Neck shaping — the front neck is shaped by placing stitches on a holder and working each side separately, with a sequence of decreases over several rows and alternate rows to create a smooth, curved neckline.
• Shoulder shaping — worked by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows in stages to create a neat, angled shoulder seam.
• Sleeve top shaping — the top of the sleeve is shaped by casting off stitches progressively at the beginning of rows to form a set-in sleeve cap that fits neatly into the armhole.
• Tension/gauge swatching — the pattern emphasises that achieving the correct tension is essential for accurate sizing, and knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning.
• Working from a stitch holder — stitches are placed on holders during neck shaping and worked later, a common intermediate technique for dividing and rejoining knitting.

Stitches Used

The stitch repertoire in this pattern is clean and accessible, relying on well-known knitting stitches that produce a smart, classic fabric:

• Stocking stitch (st st) — the main body fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch, knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This creates the smooth, flat surface characteristic of classic knitwear.
• 1x1 Rib — the welts, cuffs, and neckband are worked in a knit 1, purl 1 rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a neat, professional finish. The rib is established over 16 rows (or more) before the main body begins.
• Decrease stitches — including p2tog (purl two together), used during shaping rows to reduce stitch counts smoothly within the fabric.
• Increase stitches — worked at each end of needle rows during sleeve construction to gradually widen the sleeve from cuff to underarm.

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches