Cardigan & Tops in King Cole Cotton Top DK - 5625 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Cotton Top DK Pattern 5625 – Cardigan & Tops Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern 5625 from King Cole is a knitting pattern offering two distinct designs: a Cardigan and a Top, both knitted in King Cole Cotton Top DK yarn. This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for intermediate knitters, covering a wide range of sizes from 76/81 cm to 117/122 cm (approximately 30/32 in to 46/48 in), making it an inclusive and versatile choice for a variety of body types.

Both designs are worked in double knit (DK) weight yarn, using 4mm knitting needles, and share the same yarn base while delivering two distinct looks and silhouettes through different stitch constructions and shaping techniques.

About King Cole Cotton Top DK

King Cole Cotton Top DK is the specified yarn for both designs in this pattern. As a DK weight yarn, it is well suited to warm-weather garments and everyday wearable knits. Cotton-rich yarns like this offer excellent stitch definition, breathability, and a clean drape, making them ideal for structured ribbed fabrics as well as smooth stocking stitch garments. Knitters should note that cotton yarns behave differently from wool, with less natural elasticity, so achieving the correct tension swatch is especially important.

The Cardigan

The first design in this pattern is a Cardigan knitted in King Cole Cotton Top DK. This is a classic, wearable layering piece that makes excellent use of a 2x2 rib stitch construction throughout.

Tension for the Cardigan

The tension for the Cardigan is 26 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over 2x2 rib when slightly stretched, using 4mm knitting needles. Achieving this tension is essential to ensure the correct fit across all sizes.

Stitches and Techniques – Cardigan

• 2x2 Rib Stitch: The primary stitch pattern for the Cardigan, created by alternating two knit stitches and two purl stitches across each row. This produces a stretchy, textured fabric with excellent structure and recovery, ideal for a fitted or semi-fitted cardigan silhouette.
• Knit (K) and Purl (P): The foundational stitches used to construct the rib fabric.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Shaping techniques used to form the garment's silhouette, including armholes, necklines, and any waist shaping.
• Slip stitch (sl1) and Pass Slipped Stitch Over (psso): Decrease methods referenced in the abbreviations, commonly used for neat, directional shaping at necklines and armholes.
• Knitting through the back of the loop (tbl): A technique used to create twisted stitches, often employed in ribbing and decorative shaping details.
• Right Side (RS) and Wrong Side (WS) working: The pattern distinguishes between right side and wrong side rows, important for maintaining correct stitch orientation in rib patterns.

Materials – Cardigan

• Yarn: King Cole Cotton Top DK
• Needles: 4mm knitting needles (or size required to achieve correct tension)
• Weight: DK (Double Knit)

The Top

The second design in pattern 5625 is a Top, also knitted in King Cole Cotton Top DK. This design takes a different approach to construction, using a smooth stocking stitch fabric rather than rib, resulting in a lighter, more fluid garment with a clean, contemporary finish. The Top is an excellent warm-weather knit, taking full advantage of the breathable qualities of the Cotton Top DK yarn.

Tension for the Top

The tension for the Top is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch