Sweater & Cardigan in King Cole Riot DK - 5005 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater & Cardigan Knitted in King Cole Riot DK – Pattern 5005

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for two classic garments: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both featuring a raglan sleeve construction. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, from 71 cm to 117 cm (28 in to 46 in) chest measurements, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of knitters and wearers. Rated as advanced difficulty, this pattern is best suited to experienced knitters who are comfortable working with shaping, raglan sleeve techniques, and multiple garment constructions.

About the Yarn: King Cole Riot DK

Both garments are designed to be knitted in King Cole Riot DK, a double knit weight yarn. King Cole Riot DK is well known for its self-striping, variegated colourway construction, which creates eye-catching, multicoloured effects without the need to change yarn. The tonal shifts and colour transitions inherent to Riot DK add visual interest and texture to the finished fabric, making even straightforward stitch patterns appear dynamic and lively. Using a variegated yarn like King Cole Riot DK means that each finished garment will have a subtly unique appearance, as the colour pooling and striping will vary naturally across the knitted fabric.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for 4mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch. Achieving the correct tension is described as essential in the pattern instructions. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size accordingly: if fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, a finer needle should be used; if more stitches are achieved, a larger needle is required. Working a tension swatch before beginning either garment is strongly recommended, particularly given the advanced nature of the construction.

Garment One: The Pullover Sweater

The pullover sweater is a classic, over-the-head design featuring the signature raglan sleeve construction. Raglan sleeves are a traditional and practical design choice in knitwear, characterised by diagonal seam lines that run from the underarm to the neckline, replacing the conventional set-in sleeve. This construction distributes ease across the shoulder and chest area, providing a comfortable and relaxed fit. The raglan shaping requires careful attention to decreasing on both the body and sleeve sections simultaneously, which is one of the reasons this pattern is classified as advanced.

Key Techniques for the Sweater

• Raglan sleeve shaping – worked through paired decreases on body and sleeve pieces to create the characteristic diagonal lines
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric stitch, worked as knit on right side rows and purl on wrong side rows
• 1x1 Rib – used for welts, cuffs, and neckband edgings, alternating one knit stitch with one purl stitch to create a stretchy, neat border
• Increasing and decreasing – used throughout to shape the body, sleeves, and raglan lines

Garment Two: The Cardigan

The cardigan version shares the same raglan sleeve construction and size range as the sweater but is worked as an open-fronted garment. Cardigans require additional shaping considerations compared to pullovers, including the working of two separate front panels rather than a single joined front, as well as button bands or front edgings. The use of King Cole Riot DK in a cardigan format allows the variegated colourway to be appreciated across the full fronts of the garment, creating a visually striking finished piece.

Key Techniques for the Cardigan

• Raglan sleeve shaping – as with the sweater, diagonal decreasing lines define the sleeve and body join
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main body fabric throughout
• 1x1 Rib – applied to cuffs, lower welts, and front bands for a tidy, professional finish
• Separate front panels – each