Sweaters, Slipovers & Hat in King Cole Drifter For Baby DK - 4488 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters, Slipovers & Hat in King Cole Drifter For Baby DK – Pattern 4488

This King Cole pattern 4488 is a downloadable PDF offering a collection of charming baby and toddler knitting designs, including sweaters, slipovers, and a hat, all worked in the soft and gently variegated King Cole Drifter For Baby DK yarn. Sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 36 cm to 56 cm (14 in to 22 in), the designs cover a generous range of baby and infant sizes, making this pattern a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. A donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every King Cole pattern purchased.

About the Designs

Sweaters

The sweaters in this collection are classic baby knits worked in a timeless construction style suited to intermediate knitters. The main fabric is worked in Stocking Stitch, which creates a smooth, professional finish on the right side and a textured purl surface on the wrong side. Stocking Stitch is one of the most fundamental and widely used knitting fabrics, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. Ribbed trims and edges are worked in 1x1 Rib, a stretchy, neat edging stitch formed by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row, ideal for cuffs, neckbands, and hems that need to hold their shape snugly against a baby's skin.

• Main stitch: Stocking Stitch (St-St)
• Edging stitch: 1x1 Rib
• Construction: Worked in separate pieces and seamed
• Sizing: 36–56 cm / 14–22 in chest

Slipovers

The slipovers are sleeveless garments, making them a practical and quick-to-knit option for layering over baby bodysuits or long-sleeved tops. Like the sweaters, they are knitted primarily in Stocking Stitch with 1x1 Rib borders at the hem, armholes, and neckline. Slipovers are an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with shaping techniques such as armhole and neckline decreases without the added complexity of setting in sleeves.

• Main stitch: Stocking Stitch (St-St)
• Edging stitch: 1x1 Rib
• Key techniques: Armhole shaping, neckline shaping, decreasing

Hat

The hat completes the collection as a matching accessory, ideal for gifting alongside one of the sweaters or slipovers. Baby hats are typically worked with crown shaping decreases to create a neat, rounded top, and are finished with a ribbed brim for a comfortable, secure fit. The use of King Cole Drifter For Baby DK yarn means the hat benefits from the same soft, gentle colourway as the garments, creating a beautifully coordinated set.

• Main stitch: Stocking Stitch (St-St)
• Edging stitch: 1x1 Rib
• Key techniques: Crown shaping, decreasing

Yarn and Materials

All three designs are knitted using King Cole Drifter For Baby DK, a DK weight yarn specially formulated for baby garments. The Drifter For Baby range is known for its softly blended, self-striping colour effects that create gentle tonal variation without the need for complex colourwork, making it ideal for simple stitch patterns like Stocking Stitch where the yarn itself provides visual interest.

• Yarn: King Cole Drifter For Baby DK
• Weight: DK (Double Knit)
• Recommended needle size: 4mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve correct tension