Sweaters in King Cole Cottonsoft DK - 4518 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters Knitted in King Cole Cottonsoft DK – Pattern 4518

This King Cole pattern 4518 is a downloadable PDF featuring knitted sweaters constructed with a classic raglan sleeve design. The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty and is worked in King Cole Cottonsoft DK yarn, making it a rewarding project for experienced knitters looking to create a beautifully fitted, comfortable garment. The raglan sleeve construction is a timeless technique that creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline, producing a flattering fit across the shoulders without the need for traditional set-in sleeve shaping.

Garment Design

Raglan Sleeve Sweater

The central design in this pattern is a raglan sleeve sweater, available in a wide range of sizes spanning 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 in to 44/46 in), making it suitable for a broad range of body measurements. The raglan construction means that the sleeves and body are shaped simultaneously as they meet at the yoke, requiring careful attention to decreasing and shaping — one of the reasons this pattern is classified as advanced.

The sweater features both stocking stitch and pattern stitch sections, giving the finished garment visual interest and texture. Stocking stitch — worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side — forms the smooth, classic fabric base, while the pattern stitch sections add decorative detail.

Techniques Used

• Raglan sleeve shaping: A key construction technique where stitches are decreased at set intervals along four raglan seam lines, joining the sleeves and body into a unified yoke. This requires consistent and accurate decreasing across multiple pieces simultaneously.
• Stocking stitch: The primary fabric technique, producing a smooth knitted surface on the right side and a textured purl surface on the wrong side.
• Pattern stitch: An additional stitch pattern used alongside stocking stitch to create surface interest and design detail within the sweater.
• Increasing and decreasing: Used throughout for shaping the body, sleeves, and raglan lines, with specific techniques referenced in the abbreviations.
• Tension/gauge management: The pattern places strong emphasis on achieving the correct tension before beginning, as accurate gauge is essential for a well-fitting raglan garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the foundational stitches forming stocking stitch and pattern sections
• Slip one stitch knitways (sl1) — used in decrease sequences
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) — a left-leaning decrease commonly used in raglan shaping
• Knit two together (tog) — a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used to create decorative eyelets or increase stitches within the pattern
• Through back of loops (tbl) — a technique used to twist stitches for a neater or more defined finish

Tension

The pattern specifies two tension measurements to ensure accurate sizing:

• 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch
• 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over pattern stitch

Both are measured using 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles, or the needle size required to achieve the correct tension. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if their stitch count differs from the stated tension — moving to a finer needle if fewer stitches than stated are achieved per 10 cm.

Materials

Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for King Cole Cottonsoft DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. Cottonsoft DK is known for its soft cotton-rich composition, making it an excellent choice for sweaters that are comfortable against the skin and suitable for warmer seasons or layering. Its stitch definition makes it