Ladies Waistcoasts Knitted in King Cole Autumn Chunky - 5814 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 5814 – Ladies Waistcoats Knitted in King Cole Autumn Chunky: Pattern Summary

Pattern leaflet 5814 from King Cole presents a collection of ladies' waistcoats worked in the brand's own Autumn Chunky yarn. Sized to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in), the designs are graded across a generous size range, making them accessible to a wide variety of figures. This is a downloadable PDF pattern aimed at intermediate knitters who are comfortable working from written instructions and shaping sequences.

As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase, so buying this leaflet also supports a charitable cause.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces ladies' waistcoats — sleeveless, close-fitting or relaxed outerwear pieces designed to be layered over tops, shirts, or knitwear. Waistcoats of this style are a versatile wardrobe staple, offering warmth without bulk on the arms, and the chunky weight of the yarn means they knit up quickly while providing a cosy, substantial fabric. The finished garments are well suited to casual and country-inspired wardrobes.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is King Cole Autumn Chunky, a chunky weight yarn from the King Cole range. Knitters are advised to check the yarn label for fibre content and meterage details specific to Autumn Chunky. The recommended needle size is 6 mm, though the pattern makes clear that knitters should adjust needle size — moving to thinner needles if fewer stitches than required are achieved per 10 cm, or to thicker needles if more stitches are produced — in order to match the stated tension exactly.

Tension

The correct tension for this pattern is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 inches), measured over stocking stitch on 6 mm needles. The pattern emphasises that achieving this tension is essential in order to produce a garment that matches the stated finished measurements. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension swatch before casting on for the main pieces.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern draws on a selection of classic knitting stitches and construction techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing chunky yarn.
• Knit (k) and purl (p) – the two foundational stitches from which all the fabric is constructed.
• Increasing (inc) – adding stitches to shape the garment, used at key points such as side seams or armhole edges.
• Make 1 (m1) – a specific increase technique in which the horizontal strand lying between the last stitch worked and the next stitch is picked up and knitted through the back loop, creating a neat, almost invisible extra stitch.
• Decreasing (dec) and working stitches together (tog) – used to reduce stitch counts when shaping armholes, necklines, and other fitted areas.
• Yarn round needle (yrn) – a technique that may be used for decorative eyelet effects or as part of specific stitch patterns within the design.
• Pattern (patt) – sections of the garment may involve a repeating stitch pattern beyond plain stocking stitch, worked over a set number of stitches and rows.
• Alternate rows (alt) – shaping is frequently worked on alternate rows, a standard method for creating gradual, smooth curves at armholes and necklines.
• Right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) awareness – the pattern distinguishes clearly between the public-facing and reverse sides of the fabric, which is important for maintaining correct stitch orientation and shaping direction.

Construction and Shaping

Waistcoats of this type are typically constructed in separate