Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK - 5708 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Big Value Tweed DK Cardigan and Sweater – Pattern 5708 Summary

This King Cole pattern 5708 is a downloadable PDF offering instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a sweater, both knitted in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is suitable for knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and reading multi-size patterns. Chest sizes range from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in), making this an inclusive pattern that covers a wide range of adult sizes.

A charitable element is built into every purchase: King Cole donates to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern sold, so knitters can feel good about their craft on more than one level.

About the Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless, structured garment worked in the warm, textured fabric created by King Cole Big Value Tweed DK. As a classic open-front design, it is a versatile layering piece suitable for a wide range of wearers. The tweed effect of the yarn adds visual depth and a traditional aesthetic, making the finished cardigan ideal for everyday wear or smart-casual occasions.

The Sweater

The sweater is a pullover design also worked in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK, sharing the same yarn and needle specifications as the cardigan. Like the cardigan, it is designed across the same broad size range, ensuring both patterns are accessible to knitters of varying body measurements. The sweater provides a neat, classic silhouette enhanced by the characteristic flecked texture of the tweed yarn.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted in King Cole Big Value Tweed DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. The tweed construction of this yarn incorporates flecks of contrasting colour throughout, giving the finished fabric a rich, traditional appearance without requiring complex colourwork techniques. DK weight yarn is a popular choice for garments because it knits up at a manageable pace while still producing a fabric with good stitch definition.

The recommended needles are 4mm knitting needles, or whichever needle size is required to achieve the correct tension for the knitter's individual gauge.

Tension

The stated tension for both designs is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm knitting needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential in garment knitting, as even a small difference in gauge can significantly affect the finished size. The pattern advises:

• If you have fewer stitches than stated over 10 cm, switch to a finer (smaller) needle.
• If you have more stitches than stated over 10 cm, switch to a larger needle.

Knitters are always encouraged to work a tension swatch before casting on for the main garment pieces.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both the cardigan and sweater in pattern 5708 make use of a small but classic set of knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate knitter:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main body fabric of both garments is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows. This produces a smooth, flat fabric on the right side, which allows the tweed flecks of the yarn to show clearly.
• 1x1 Rib: Ribbing is used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands. It is worked by alternating knit one stitch and purl one stitch across the row, creating an elastic, neat edging that helps garments retain their shape at hems and openings.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Standard shaping techniques are used throughout both patterns to create armholes, necklines, and sleeve tapers. These are referenced in the abbreviations as inc (increase) and dec (decrease).
• Yarn Over Needle (yon) and Yarn Forward Round Needle (yfrn):