Cardigan & Sweater Knitting Pattern

Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Fashion Aran

What is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for knitting a cardigan and matching sweater in King Cole Fashion Aran yarn. Both garments feature raglan sleeves and are available in multiple sizes ranging from 71/76 cm to 112/117 cm (28/30 to 44/46 inches). The designs showcase traditional cable knit detailing, making them versatile pieces suitable for layering or wearing as standalone garments.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several classic techniques to create texture and structure:

• Cable knitting: The pattern features cable stitches that measure 14 stitches over 6 cm (2½ inches), creating the signature dimensional texture characteristic of Aran knits
• Raglan shaping: Fully fashioned raglan sleeves are worked with decreases to create a smooth, tapered fit from shoulder to cuff
• Ribbed edging: 1x1 ribbing is used for cuffs, waistbands, and necklines to provide elasticity and a finished appearance
• Stitch increases and decreases: Strategic shaping techniques including make-one increases and pass-slipped-stitch-over decreases are used throughout for garment construction

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches: Form the foundation of the fabric and create the textured cable patterns
• Cable stitches (C4F and C4B): C4F (cable 4 front) involves slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle, holding at front, knitting 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. C4B (cable 4 back) follows the same method but holds the cable needle at the back of work. These create the classic twisted rope effect
• 1x1 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches worked in single-stitch intervals create elastic, fitted edges
• Increase and decrease stitches: M1 (make one) for increases and psso (pass slipped stitch over) for decreases shape the garment

Materials and Gauge

This project is worked in King Cole Fashion Aran yarn using 4mm (US6) needles for ribbing and 5mm needles for the main fabric. A cable needle (CN) is also required for cable work. Achieving correct tension is essential: the cable pattern should measure 14 stitches over 6 cm (2½ inches), with 24 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over the cable pattern. Raglan shaping is worked at 26 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) due to fully fashioned decreasing. Knitters should always work a tension square before beginning to ensure proper garment fit and adjust needle sizes if necessary.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern (Leaflet 4347) suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern includes multiple size options and detailed abbreviations for all techniques used. For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.