Sweater & Cardigan in King Cole Cottonsoft DK - 5127pdf - Downloadable PDF

Sweater & Cardigan Knitted in King Cole Cottonsoft DK – Pattern 5127

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 5127) presents two classic garments: a round neck sweater and a cardigan, both knitted in King Cole Cottonsoft DK yarn. The designs feature raglan sleeves and are sized to fit chest measurements from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making them suitable for a wide range of adults. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, these patterns are ideal for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, cable techniques, and working from multi-size instructions.

Both garments are worked in double knit (DK) weight yarn on 4mm knitting needles, with tension checked at 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch. Achieving the correct tension is emphasised as essential before beginning either project.

The Round Neck Sweater

The sweater is a timeless, clean-lined pullover featuring a round neckline and the characteristic raglan sleeve construction that gives a neat, diagonal seam line running from the underarm to the neckband. Raglan shaping is achieved through regular decreases worked at each raglan edge on alternating rows and every fourth row, gradually reducing the stitch count to shape the armhole and sleeve head simultaneously — a technique that produces a comfortable, flexible fit across the shoulder.

Techniques and Stitches – Sweater

• Stocking stitch (St-St): The main fabric of the sweater, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic surface.
• 1x1 Rib: Used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands, this alternating knit-one, purl-one rib creates a stretchy, neat edge that holds its shape well in cotton-blend yarn.
• Raglan shaping: Worked using decrease techniques including slip one knitways, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, K1, psso) and knit two together (K2tog), creating the signature diagonal raglan lines.
• Make one (M1): A neat increase worked by picking up the loop between stitches and working into the back of it, used for sleeve and body shaping.

The Cardigan

The cardigan shares the same raglan sleeve construction and sizing range as the sweater but adds a front opening, making it a versatile layering piece. The raglan shaping follows the same structured decrease schedule, ensuring a consistent silhouette across both garments. The cardigan's front bands and button bands would typically incorporate the 1x1 rib used throughout the pattern for a cohesive, tidy finish.

Techniques and Stitches – Cardigan

• Raglan sleeve shaping: As with the sweater, decreases are worked at raglan edges on alternating and every fourth rows to shape the armhole and sleeve simultaneously.
• 1x1 Rib: Applied to hems, cuffs, and front bands for stretch and structure.
• Stocking stitch: Forms the main body and sleeve fabric.

Cable Details

Pattern 5127 also incorporates cable stitch panels, adding textural interest and a more decorative quality to the knitted fabric. The pattern defines several specific cable abbreviations that are used within the design:

Cable Stitches Used

• C2B (Cable 2 Back): Slip one stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit one, then knit one from the cable needle — a small, tight twist that creates a subtle rope effect.
• C2F (Cable 2 Front): As C2B but with the cable needle held at the front, twisting in the opposite direction.
• C10B (Cable 10 Back): Slip five stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back, knit five, then knit five from the cable