Top and Cardigan in King Cole DK - 4408 - Downloadable PDF

Top and Cardigan in King Cole DK – Pattern 4408

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 4408) provides instructions for two separate garments: a knitted top and a knitted cardigan, both worked in DK (double knit) weight yarn. The pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters who are ready to move beyond simple swatches and into wearable, fashionable pieces. Both designs are sized to fit bust measurements of 81–107 cm (32–42 in), offering a generous range of six sizes to suit a variety of figures.

A donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every King Cole pattern purchased, so buying this pattern also supports a charitable cause.

The Top

The top is a straightforward knitted garment worked in a combination of classic knitting techniques. It is constructed in separate pieces — including a back — which are then seamed together. The pattern includes shaping instructions for the neck and sides, making it a gentle introduction to garment construction for beginner knitters.

Techniques and Construction

• Stocking stitch (st-st) forms the main fabric of the top, worked with the right side knit and the wrong side purled — one of the most fundamental and widely used knitting fabrics, producing a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing DK yarn.
• Garter stitch (gst) — every row knitted — is used as a border or trim detail, adding a subtle textural contrast and helping edges lie flat without curling.
• Increasing is used to shape the body, with stitches added at each end of specified rows to create a tailored silhouette. The pattern uses a M1 (Make 1) increase, which involves picking up the horizontal strand of yarn lying between stitches and knitting into it — a neat, nearly invisible method of adding stitches.
• Neck shaping involves decreasing stitches at the neck edge and placing centre stitches onto a holder (thread) to be worked separately, a standard technique for creating a smooth, fitted neckline.
• Stitches are cast off at the shoulders in the traditional manner.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the two foundational stitches of knitting, combined to create stocking stitch and garter stitch fabrics.
• Slip stitch (sl) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) — used in decrease sequences for neat shaping.
• Knitting two stitches together (tog) — a simple right-leaning decrease used throughout for shaping.
• M1 (Make 1) — an increase stitch used to add width during body shaping.

Materials and Tension

The top is knitted using King Cole DK yarn. Two needle sizes are called for:

• 3.75 mm needles for the cast-on and initial border rows worked in garter stitch.
• 4 mm needles for the main body worked in stocking stitch, with a stated tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch.

Checking tension before beginning is strongly recommended. If fewer stitches or rows than stated are achieved over 10 cm, switch to finer needles; if more stitches or rows are achieved, switch to larger needles.

The Cardigan

The second garment in this pattern is a knitted cardigan, also worked in King Cole DK yarn. Like the top, it is designed for beginner knitters and shares the same size range of 81–107 cm (32–42 in) bust. The cardigan includes set-in or shaped sleeves, a front opening, and neck shaping, giving knitters practice with a slightly more complex construction while still remaining accessible.

Techniques and Construction

• The cardigan body and sleeves are worked as separate flat pieces and seamed together