Sweater and Slipover Knitted in King Cole Big Value Chunky - 5820 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 5820: Chunky Sweater and Slipover Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern King Cole 5820 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole that includes instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a full-sleeve sweater and a slipover (a sleeveless pullover vest). Both garments are worked in chunky weight yarn and are sized to fit a range of chest measurements from 86 cm to 132 cm (34 in to 52 in), making them accessible across a broad range of body sizes. This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques but looking to build their skills further.

About the Two Designs

The Sweater

The sweater is a classic, comfortable pullover with full-length sleeves. Worked in stocking stitch with neat 1x1 ribbed edgings, it is a timeless wardrobe staple that knits up quickly thanks to the chunky yarn weight. The generous size range means it can be made as a close-fitting or relaxed, oversized garment depending on the size chosen. The combination of stocking stitch body and ribbed welts, cuffs, and neckband gives the sweater a clean, structured finish that suits both casual and smart-casual styling.

The Slipover

The slipover is a sleeveless vest-style garment, also knitted in stocking stitch with 1x1 ribbing at the lower hem and around the armhole and neckline edges. Slipovers are a versatile layering piece, ideal for wearing over shirts or long-sleeved tops. Like the sweater, the slipover benefits from the speed of chunky knitting, making it an achievable project for an intermediate knitter who wants a satisfying, relatively quick make.

Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern are constructed using flat knitting, working the front, back, and (for the sweater) sleeves as separate pieces that are then seamed together. Key techniques employed throughout the pattern include:

• Increasing and decreasing for armhole shaping, sleeve shaping, and neckline shaping
• Tension/gauge swatching, which King Cole strongly emphasises as essential before beginning either garment
• Seaming to join the finished knitted pieces together
• Picking up and working ribbed edgings around armholes and necklines, particularly relevant for the slipover's finishing
• Reading and following a multi-size pattern, with instructions written to cover all sizes simultaneously

Stitches Used

The pattern uses a small, clean selection of stitches that are well within reach of an intermediate knitter:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric stitch for both garments. Worked by knitting every right-side row and purling every wrong-side row, stocking stitch produces a smooth, classic knitted fabric on the right side.
• 1x1 Rib: Used for all welts, cuffs, and neckbands. This is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row — on right-side rows: K1, P1, repeat to last stitch, K1; on wrong-side rows: P1, K1, P1 repeat to end. 1x1 rib creates a stretchy, elastic fabric that hugs the body at the edges and helps the garment retain its shape over time.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch. King Cole recommends using 6 mm knitting needles, or adjusting needle size as necessary to achieve the correct tension. Knitters are advised to switch to a finer needle if their stitch count is lower than stated, and to a larger needle if their stitch count is higher. Achieving the correct tension is highlighted as essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Materials

Both the sweater and slipover are designed to be knitted in