Jackets and Gilets in King Cole DK - 4998 - Downloadable PDF

Jackets and Gilets in King Cole DK – Pattern 4998

This King Cole pattern 4998 is a downloadable PDF offering instructions for knitting a collection of jackets and gilets (waistcoats) sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 36 cm to 56 cm (14 to 22 inches), making these designs suitable for babies and young children. The pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are already comfortable with shaping, tension management, and working with multiple colours or stitch patterns.

As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase, adding a charitable dimension to your crafting.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers multiple garment designs, including both fitted jackets and sleeveless gilets. Jackets are fully constructed garments with sleeves, fronts, backs, and typically a button or fastened opening, while gilets are sleeveless body warmers that are equally practical and stylish for layering over other garments. Both styles are worked in DK (double knit) weight yarn, producing garments that are lightweight yet warm enough for everyday wear.

Yarn and Materials

The designs are specifically written for King Cole DK yarn. The pattern uses a main shade (M) and a contrast shade (C), indicating that at least some of the designs incorporate two-colour knitting or contrast detailing such as borders, trims, or colourwork panels. Knitters should select their yarn colours accordingly before casting on.

• Yarn weight: DK (double knit)
• Brand: King Cole DK
• Colour system: Main shade (M) and contrast shade (C)

Needles

The pattern calls for 4mm knitting needles as the primary needle size. As always with knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential before beginning, and needle size should be adjusted up or down as needed to match the stated tension.

Tension

Two tension measurements are specified, reflecting the different stitch patterns used across the designs:

• 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 4mm needles
• 28 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over pattern on 4mm needles

Knitters are strongly advised to knit a tension square before beginning the garment. If fewer stitches or rows than stated are achieved over 10 cm, finer needles should be used; if more stitches or rows are achieved, larger needles are required. Correct tension ensures the finished garment matches the intended size.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern employs a range of knitting stitches and techniques appropriate to an advanced skill level:

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The foundational fabric stitch, worked with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side, used throughout the main body sections
• Pattern stitch (patt): A textured or colourwork stitch pattern used in certain sections, requiring a different tension to stocking stitch
• Knit (K) and purl (P): The two core stitches forming the basis of all fabric in the garments
• Increasing (inc) and decreasing (dec): Shaping techniques used to form armholes, necklines, sleeve tapers, and other fitted elements
• Yarn round needle (yrn): A technique used to create decorative eyelets or as part of lace-style detailing
• Slipping stitches (sl): Used for neat edges or as part of stitch pattern construction
• Working stitches together (tog): A decrease method used in shaping throughout
• Two-colour knitting: The use of a main shade and contrast shade suggests stripes, colourwork, or contrast trims and edgings

Construction and Shaping

As an advanced pattern, King Cole 4998