Cardigans in King Cole Cotton Top DK - 5373pdf - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Cotton Top DK – Pattern 5373

This King Cole pattern 5373 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring cardigans worked in King Cole Cotton Top DK yarn. The pattern is designed for intermediate knitters and covers a generous range of sizes from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in), making it an inclusive choice for a wide variety of body types. As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces knitted cardigans — classic, versatile layering garments that are a staple of any handknitted wardrobe. Cardigans are open-fronted, typically featuring button bands, set-in or raglan sleeves, and a neat finish that makes them suitable for both casual and smarter everyday wear. The pattern appears to include options or variations suitable for the larger size range indicated on the cover.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is King Cole Cotton Top DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. DK weight is a medium-light yarn that produces garments with good stitch definition, making it ideal for showcasing textured and patterned knitting. A cotton-blend yarn such as Cotton Top DK is well suited to cardigans, offering breathability, a smooth hand feel, and a slight sheen that enhances stitch clarity. 4 mm knitting needles are specified, or the needle size required to achieve the correct tension.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described as essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated size. Two tension measurements are given:

• 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the alternating textured stripe pattern and stocking stitch on 4 mm needles
• 22 stitches and 29 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the diagonal pattern on 4 mm needles

Knitters are advised to adjust needle size accordingly — using thinner needles if fewer stitches are produced and thicker needles if more stitches are produced than stated.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The pattern makes use of more than one stitch pattern, giving the cardigans visual interest and texture. The stitch patterns referenced include:

• Alternating textured stripe pattern — a repeating sequence that creates surface texture through the interplay of knit and purl stitches arranged in stripes
• Stocking stitch — the classic knitting fabric formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, flat surface
• Diagonal pattern — a textured design in which stitches are arranged to create a diagonal visual line across the fabric, adding a more dynamic, directional element to the knitted surface

These stitch patterns are well within the reach of an intermediate knitter who is comfortable following a written pattern and working with multiple stitch sequences across a project.

Key Knitting Techniques

The abbreviations listed in the pattern give a clear picture of the techniques involved in constructing these cardigans:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the two foundational stitches used to build all the stitch patterns in this design
• Increase (inc) — adding stitches to shape the garment, typically used at sleeve seams and body shaping points
• Decrease (dec) — reducing stitches for armhole shaping, neckline, and sleeve cap construction
• Yarn round needle (yrn) — a technique used to create a decorative eyelet or to work certain increases, adding a delicate detail where required
• Pattern (patt) — working across established stitch sequences as set, maintaining the textured or diagonal design throughout shaping rows
• Right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) working — the pattern distinguishes between the public-facing and reverse sides of the fabric, which is important for maintaining stitch