Sweater & Waistcoat in King Cole DK - 5107pdf - Downloadable PDF

King Cole DK Pattern 5107 – Children's Sweater & Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 5107) provides instructions for two classic children's garments: a sweater and a waistcoat. Designed for sizes 51–71 cm (20–28 inches), the pattern covers a wide age range of 1 to 10 years, making it a wonderfully versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and a variety of standard knitting techniques.

King Cole is a long-established British yarn brand with a strong reputation for producing reliable, well-written patterns. For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, so buying this pattern also supports a meaningful charitable cause.

Garments Included in This Pattern

Children's Sweater

The sweater is a timeless, everyday pullover designed to fit children from toddler age through to around ten years old. The generous size range means the pattern offers excellent long-term value, as knitters can return to it year after year for different children or growing siblings. The sweater is worked in King Cole DK yarn, producing a fabric that is lightweight yet warm — ideal for year-round wear as a layering piece or a standalone garment.

Children's Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless, fitted over-garment that pairs beautifully with the sweater or can be worn independently over shirts, blouses, or long-sleeved tops. Waistcoats of this style are a perennial favourite in children's knitwear, offering a smart, neat appearance that works equally well for casual and slightly more formal occasions. Like the sweater, it is sized from 51 to 71 cm (20 to 28 inches) to cover the full 1 to 10 years age range.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted in King Cole DK (double knitting weight) yarn. DK is one of the most popular and widely available yarn weights, sitting between 4-ply and Aran in thickness. It knits up relatively quickly while still producing a neat, defined fabric with good stitch definition — particularly important when working textured or patterned sections.

The recommended needle size is 4mm, which is the standard needle size for DK-weight yarn. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a tension square before beginning either garment, as achieving the correct tension is essential for the finished pieces to match the stated measurements.

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 32 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over pattern on 4mm needles. This is a relatively firm tension for DK yarn, which helps produce a sturdy, well-structured fabric suitable for children's garments that need to withstand regular wear and washing. If your tension square produces fewer stitches or rows than stated, try moving to a smaller needle; if it produces more, move to a larger needle.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a range of classic knitting stitches and techniques. The abbreviations listed in the pattern give a clear indication of what knitters can expect to work throughout both garments:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – The most commonly used knitting fabric, worked with the right side knit and the wrong side purled. This produces a smooth, flat surface on the right side and is likely used for the main body sections of both garments.
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) – The opposite of standard stocking stitch, with the purl side used as the right side. This creates a textured, slightly raised surface and may be used as a contrast or decorative element.
• Garter stitch (gst) – Formed by knitting every row, garter stitch creates a ridged, reversible fabric with natural elasticity. It is commonly used for borders, hems, and edgings in children's knitwear.
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – The two fundamental knitting stitches that underpin all the fabric types used in this pattern.
• Increasing (inc) – Used to add stitches and shape the garment, for example when widening sleeves or shaping the