Waistcoat & Cardigan in King Cole DK - 4259 - Downloadable PDF

Waistcoat & Cardigan in King Cole DK – Pattern 4259

This King Cole pattern 4259 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic designs in one: a knitted waistcoat and a knitted cardigan, both worked in King Cole DK weight yarn. The designs are sized to fit chest measurements of 81–107 cm (32–42 inches), making them suitable for a broad range of adult sizes. Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to tackle structured stitch panels and shaping.

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.

About the Designs

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless, tailored garment designed to be worn as a smart layering piece. Its structured construction makes it a versatile addition to any wardrobe, suitable for both casual and more polished outfits. The incorporation of a cable panel adds visual interest and texture to what might otherwise be a straightforward garment, giving it a classic, timeless appeal.

The Cardigan

The cardigan shares the same yarn and stitch vocabulary as the waistcoat, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic if both garments are knitted together as a set. As a sleeved, open-front garment, the cardigan provides warmth and style, and its use of the same cable panel and stocking stitch background creates a beautifully coordinated pairing with the waistcoat.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern draw on a combination of classic knitting stitches and structured techniques:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The primary fabric stitch, formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. Stocking stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric that forms the main body of both garments.
• 1x1 Rib: A stretchy ribbing stitch formed by alternating single knit and purl stitches. Typically used at hems, cuffs, and neckbands to provide a neat, elasticated finish that holds its shape well.
• Cable Panel (19 stitches wide): A decorative panel measuring approximately 6 cm (2½ inches) wide. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle (CN), producing the characteristic twisted rope or braid effect. This is the key textural feature of both designs.
• Make One Stitch (M1): An increase technique used to add stitches seamlessly within the fabric, commonly employed during sleeve and body shaping.
• Decreasing (dec): Standard shaping techniques including passing slipped stitches over (psso) and knitting stitches together (tog), used to shape armholes, necklines, and other fitted areas.
• Slipping Stitches (sl1): Stitches slipped knitways as part of decrease methods, contributing to neat, directional shaping on the garment edges.

Techniques Overview

Working this pattern involves flat knitting — knitting back and forth in rows on straight or circular needles — with attention to right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) rows throughout. Knitters will need to follow a structured cable panel repeat alongside stocking stitch sections, requiring the ability to read and track a multi-stitch pattern simultaneously. Shaping for armholes, shoulders, and necklines is worked through a combination of cast-offs, decreases, and increases, which is typical of intermediate-level garment construction.

The pattern also emphasises the importance of knitting a tension square before beginning the garment. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm (US size 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garments match the intended measurements and fit correctly across the full size range.

Materials

• Yarn: King Cole DK weight yarn — a double knit