Cardigans in King Cole Riot DK - 5006 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Riot DK – Pattern 5006

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents a collection of cardigans knitted in King Cole Riot DK yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, the pattern covers a generous size range of 71–117 cm (28–46 in), making it suitable for a wide variety of body sizes. The self-striping, variegated nature of King Cole Riot DK means the yarn itself creates visual interest without the need for complex colourwork, allowing the knitter to focus on shaping and construction.

About the Yarn and Materials

The cardigans are worked in King Cole Riot DK, a popular double knit weight yarn well known for its vibrant, self-striping colour sequences. Because Riot DK produces its own colour patterns automatically as you knit, each finished cardigan will have a unique, lively appearance with minimal extra effort from the knitter.

• Yarn: King Cole Riot DK (double knit weight)
• Needles: 4mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described in the pattern as essential. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Knitters are advised to swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly — moving to a finer needle if fewer stitches than stated are achieved per 10 cm, or to a larger needle if more stitches are produced.

Techniques and Construction

The cardigans in this pattern are constructed using classic knitting techniques suited to an intermediate skill level. The primary fabric is worked in stocking stitch (st-st), which creates a smooth, professional finish that allows the colourway of King Cole Riot DK to show to its best advantage. Shaping is achieved through standard increasing and decreasing methods, giving the garments a well-fitted silhouette across the full size range.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main body fabric, formed by alternating knit and purl rows
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches – the foundational stitches throughout
• Slip stitch (sl) – slipping one stitch knitways as used in shaping and decorative details
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – a decrease technique used for neat, directional shaping
• Knit through back of loop (tbl) – used to create twisted stitches for a tighter, neater finish in specific areas
• Increase (inc) and Decrease (dec) techniques – used for garment shaping at armholes, necklines, and other key points

Key Techniques

• Tension swatching – critical to achieving the correct fit across the size range
• Garment shaping – including armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping using standard knitting decrease and increase methods
• Pattern repeats – the pattern makes use of repeated stitch sequences to maintain consistency across garment sections
• Right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) working – the pattern clearly distinguishes between right-side and wrong-side rows to maintain the integrity of the stocking stitch fabric

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is written to accommodate a chest measurement range of 71–117 cm (28–46 in), spanning multiple sizes within a single downloadable PDF. This broad size range makes the pattern particularly versatile, suitable for knitting cardigans for older children through to adults of varying builds. The intermediate difficulty rating reflects the need to follow multi-size instructions carefully and to execute neat garment shaping.

Additional Notes

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing instant access after purchase. King Cole also notes that for every pattern purchased, a donation is made to the