Cardigans in King Cole Splash DK - 4657 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Cardigans in King Cole Splash DK – Pattern 4657

This King Cole pattern 4657 is a downloadable PDF providing instructions for knitting baby and toddler cardigans featuring a classic raglan sleeve construction. The pattern covers a size range of 31–51 cm (12–20 inches) chest, making it suitable for babies and young children across multiple growth stages. Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to tackle raglan sleeve decreases and simple stitch pattern combinations.

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

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces children's cardigans with raglan sleeves, a timeless and practical construction method that creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline. Raglan shaping is particularly well-suited to children's knitwear as it allows for a comfortable, flexible fit with minimal bulky shoulder seams. The size range of 31–51 cm means the pattern can be used to knit garments for babies and toddlers at various stages, offering excellent long-term value from a single pattern purchase.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Raglan sleeve shaping – the defining construction technique of this pattern, involving regular decreases along four raglan lines to shape the yoke of the cardigan
• Increasing and decreasing – used throughout for sleeve and body shaping, including methods such as slip one stitch knitways, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, K1, psso) and knit two together (K2tog)
• Working on right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows – standard flat knitting construction across multiple pieces
• Tension/gauge swatching – the pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles, and advises adjusting needle size if the correct tension is not achieved

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St) – the main body fabric of the cardigans, created by knitting on right side rows and purling on wrong side rows, producing a smooth, classic knitted fabric that showcases the variegated tones of the yarn beautifully
• 2x2 Rib – a ribbing pattern worked over multiples of four stitches, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches; typically used for cuffs, welts, and button bands to provide stretch and a neat, structured edge
• 1x1 Rib – a finer ribbing pattern alternating one knit stitch with one purl stitch, often used for neckbands or edgings where a slightly more delicate finish is desired
• Garter Stitch (G-st) – produced by knitting every row, creating a ridged, reversible fabric that lies flat and is often used for borders or decorative bands

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The cardigans are designed to be knitted in King Cole Splash DK, a double knit weight yarn. Splash DK is a characterful yarn known for its multicoloured, space-dyed effect, which creates a lively, playful appearance — perfectly suited to children's knitwear. The variegated colouring means the finished cardigan has visual interest without the need for complex colourwork techniques, making it an appealing project for intermediate knitters.

• Yarn: King Cole Splash DK (double knit weight)
• Recommended needle size: 4mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the stated tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch
• Needle adjustment: If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, switch to a finer needle; if more stitches are achieved, switch to a larger needle

Who This Pattern