Sweater and Cardigan in King Cole Value Chunky - 4703 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater and Cardigan in King Cole Big Value Chunky – Pattern 4703

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents two classic garments in one versatile package: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both featuring a timeless raglan sleeve construction. Described as an Easy Knit design, the pattern is accessible to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques, while also being approachable enough for confident beginners looking to advance their skills. The size range is generous, spanning 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making these patterns suitable for a wide variety of body types.

About the Garments

Raglan Sleeve Sweater

The pullover sweater is a straightforward, wearable design built around the raglan sleeve silhouette. Raglan construction is a popular choice in knitwear because it eliminates the need for a traditional set-in sleeve seam, instead creating a diagonal seamline that runs from the underarm to the neckline. This results in a comfortable, relaxed fit with excellent freedom of movement. The sweater is worked in separate pieces — typically a front, back, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together, making it an excellent project for knitters practising garment construction and finishing techniques.

Raglan Sleeve Cardigan

The cardigan shares the same easy raglan sleeve structure as the sweater, offering an open-front alternative that is equally practical and stylish. Cardigans of this style are perennial wardrobe staples, and the chunky weight yarn means the finished garment works up quickly and provides excellent warmth. The cardigan version will typically include a button band or front opening detail, adding a small additional element of finishing work to the project.

Techniques Used

Both garments are constructed using a selection of fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques that are well within reach of an intermediate knitter:

• Raglan sleeve shaping – a classic method of simultaneously decreasing stitches on the sleeve and body pieces to create the characteristic diagonal seam from underarm to neck
• Increasing and decreasing – standard shaping techniques used throughout both garments to create the correct silhouette
• Seaming and finishing – joining knitted pieces together neatly to complete the garment
• Slip stitch decreases – using the sl1, k1, psso (slip one stitch knitways, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) method for neat, directional shaping
• Working through back of loops (tbl) – a technique used to create a twisted stitch effect, often employed in ribbing for a neater finish
• Alternating rows – working right side and wrong side rows in sequence, as is standard in flat knitting

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a small, well-chosen selection of stitches that are ideal for chunky-weight knitwear:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St) – the primary stitch used across the body and sleeves of both garments, created by knitting on right side rows and purling on wrong side rows. Stocking stitch produces a smooth, classic fabric that is both attractive and practical in chunky yarn.
• 1x1 Rib Stitch – worked by alternating knit one, purl one stitches across the row. Ribbing is elastic and form-fitting, making it the ideal choice for cuffs, hems, and neckbands where a neat, stretchy edge is required.

Materials and Tension

Both the sweater and cardigan are designed to be knitted in King Cole Big Value Chunky yarn, a chunky weight yarn that is well suited to quick, satisfying knitting projects. The use of chunky yarn means that both garments knit up at a satisfying pace, making them excellent choices for knitters who enjoy seeing rapid progress on their work.

The recommended needle size is 6mm knitting needles, though knitters are advised to adjust needle size as necessary to achieve the correct tension. The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch