Slipovers in King Cole Pricewise DK - 4564 - Downloadable PDF

Slipovers Knitted in King Cole Pricewise DK – Pattern 4564

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for knitting slipovers — classic sleeveless pullover garments that sit over a shirt or blouse and are a timeless wardrobe staple. The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty and is designed to fit a range of chest sizes from 46 cm to 71 cm (18 in to 28 in), making it suitable for children or smaller adult sizes depending on interpretation of the size range.

The pattern is worked in King Cole Pricewise DK yarn, a popular and widely available double knit (DK) weight yarn known for its excellent value and broad colour palette. As with all King Cole patterns, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces one or more slipovers — garments characterised by their lack of sleeves and typically featuring a neat neckline and ribbed edges. Slipovers are a practical and stylish layering piece, traditionally associated with classic knitwear styling. They are worked in the round or flat depending on construction, and the finished garment showcases a clean, structured silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: King Cole Pricewise DK — a double knit weight yarn
• Knitting Needles: 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension
• Knitters are advised to adjust needle size up or down to match the stated tension — a larger needle if too few stitches are achieved per 10 cm, or a finer needle if too many stitches are achieved

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is described as essential, and knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning the main project. Tension affects both the fit and the overall dimensions of the finished slipover, so this step should not be skipped.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric of the slipover is worked in stocking stitch, which is formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This creates a smooth, flat fabric on the right side and a textured reverse side. It is the most commonly used stitch in garment knitting and gives a clean, professional finish.
• 2x2 Rib: The pattern uses a 2x2 rib stitch, which is worked by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across the row (K2, P2). This creates a stretchy, elasticated fabric that is ideal for cuffs, hems, and neckbands — areas where a snug, fitted edge is desirable. The ribbing helps the slipover maintain its shape and sit neatly against the body.
• Knit (K) and Purl (P): The fundamental stitches of knitting, used throughout in combination to form both the stocking stitch body and the ribbed edgings.
• Increasing and Decreasing: Shaping techniques referenced in the abbreviations — inc (increase) and dec (decrease) — are used to shape the armhole, neckline, and other structural elements of the slipover.
• Working through the back of loops (tbl): This technique is referenced in the abbreviations and is used in specific shaping or joining situations to create a neater, twisted stitch effect.
• Alternating rows and pattern repeats: The pattern makes use of standard row-by-row construction with clear repeat instructions, referenced through abbreviations such as alt (alternate), rep (repeat), and foll (following).

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible after purchase. It is classified as advanced, suggesting that knitters should have prior experience with garment construction, tension management, and shaping techniques before attempting