Sweater and Cardigan Knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky - 5679 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater and Cardigan Knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating both a sweater and a cardigan using King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky yarn. The designs are available in sizes ranging from 56 to 76 centimetres (22 to 30 inches), making them suitable for various body measurements. Both garments are worked at an intermediate difficulty level, making them appropriate for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and stitch patterns.

Techniques Used

The patterns employ several key knitting techniques essential to constructing well-fitted garments. Tension work is critical, with specific gauge requirements that must be met before beginning the main project to ensure the finished garment achieves the correct dimensions. The pattern requires working to either 14 stitches and 20 rows over 10 centimetres in stocking stitch, or 14 stitches and 22 rows over 10 centimetres in pattern, both measured on 6 millimetre needles or the size needed to achieve correct tension. Knitters are instructed to adjust needle size accordingly—using thinner needles if their stitch count exceeds the required tension, or thicker needles if their stitch count falls short.

The cardigan construction involves shaping techniques and decorative stitch elements that add visual interest to the finished piece. The pattern includes instructions for creating bobbles, which are three-dimensional textural embellishments worked by knitting into the front, back, and front again of a single stitch, then working several rows on those stitches before decreasing them back together.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern
• Stocking stitch – created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, producing a smooth, classic fabric surface
• Make bobble (MB) – a decorative technique that creates raised, textured embellishments on the garment surface
• Yarn round needle (yrn) – a yarn over technique that creates decorative eyelet holes and lace effects
• Decrease stitches (dec) – including knit two together (k2tog) and slip stitch techniques for shaping the garment

Materials

These patterns are designed specifically for King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky yarn, a chunky weight yarn that works up quickly and creates a substantial, warm fabric. The projects require 6 millimetre knitting needles (or the appropriate size needed to achieve correct tension), and knitters should have basic finishing supplies for seaming and weaving in yarn ends. The chunky yarn weight makes these projects particularly suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure, while the intermediate difficulty level ensures that knitters will develop their skills through working with shaping, pattern repeats, and decorative techniques.