Cardigans and Sweaters in King Cole Opium - 4178 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans and Sweaters in King Cole Opium – Pattern 4178

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents a collection of cardigans and sweaters designed for adults, covering a wide range of sizes from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in). Worked in the luxuriously textured King Cole Opium yarn, these garments offer a satisfying knit for those with an intermediate level of experience. The pattern is rated as intermediate, making it an ideal next step for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to tackle shaping techniques such as raglan armhole construction.

About the Designs

Pattern 4178 includes both a cardigan and a sweater (also referred to as a jumper), giving knitters the choice of a classic open-front style or a traditional pullover. Both garments share the same foundational construction approach and are worked in reverse stocking stitch as the main fabric, which creates a beautifully textured, purl-side-out surface that complements the chunky weight of King Cole Opium yarn. The designs feature raglan shaping at the armholes, a technique that creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline, producing a comfortable and flattering fit across a broad range of body shapes.

Sweater / Jumper

The sweater is a classic pullover construction worked in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — before being seamed together. The back is shaped with raglan decreases worked at each end on right-side rows, creating the characteristic diagonal line. The front mirrors the back in its lower construction before diverging for neckline shaping. Raglan shaping is a practical and elegant solution for chunky knitwear, as it distributes ease across the shoulder area without the need for a traditional set-in sleeve cap, resulting in a relaxed and wearable silhouette.

Cardigan

The cardigan version follows a similar construction to the sweater, with the addition of front bands and an open centre front. Like the sweater, it is worked in reverse stocking stitch throughout and features the same raglan armhole shaping. The cardigan pieces are worked flat and seamed, with the front bands typically picked up and worked in a contrast or matching rib to provide a neat, structured edge. This design is a versatile wardrobe staple, suitable for layering over lighter garments during cooler months.

Techniques Used

• Reverse stocking stitch (rev st-st): The main fabric stitch pattern, worked throughout both garments. This technique uses the purl side of standard stocking stitch as the right side, creating a bumpy, textured surface that adds visual interest and works beautifully with the chenille-style or textured composition of King Cole Opium.
• Raglan shaping: Decreases are worked at each end of right-side rows at regular intervals to shape the armhole and sleeve head simultaneously. The pattern specifies decreasing 1 stitch at each end of the next and every following alternate row, a standard raglan decrease method.
• Cast-off shaping: Initial armhole shaping begins with casting off a set number of stitches at the beginning of rows before the raglan decreases commence, giving the underarm a clean, structured edge.
• Stitch decreasing across a row: Used when transitioning between needle sizes or stitch sections, for example decreasing stitches evenly across a row to adjust stitch counts for the main body fabric.
• Tension/gauge swatch: The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch, which knitters should check before beginning to ensure accurate sizing.

Stitches Used

• Reverse stocking stitch (rev st-st): The primary stitch used throughout the main body and sleeves of both garments.
• Stocking stitch (st-st): Referenced in the tension measurement and potentially used in ribbed or border sections.
• Ribbing: Typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands in garments of this style, providing elasticity and a neat finish at edges.

Materials