Cardigan & Sweater Knitting Pattern

Cardigan & Sweater in King Cole Riot DK

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for knitting a cardigan and sweater using King Cole Riot DK yarn. The designs are available in five sizes, with finished chest measurements ranging from 71 cm to 117 cm (28 inches to 46 inches), making them suitable for a wide range of body sizes from children through to adults.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The pattern employs several key shaping techniques including increases and decreases to create the garment structure, as well as strategic cast-offs to form armholes and necklines.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• 2x2 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2-by-2 pattern. This elastic stitch is typically used for cuffs, waistbands, and necklines to provide stretch and recovery.
• Double Moss Stitch: A textured stitch that alternates between knit and purl stitches over four rows, creating a subtle, bumpy fabric surface. This stitch provides visual texture while maintaining relatively stable fabric dimensions.
• Textured Pattern: The pattern includes a more complex textured stitch combining knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence. This creates dimensional patterning across the body of the garment, with specific row-by-row instructions provided for precise execution.
• Stockinette Stitch (implied): The foundational smooth stitch created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, used throughout the garment where not otherwise specified.

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed for King Cole Riot DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and wearability. The pattern requires 4mm knitting needles (or the size necessary to achieve the correct tension). Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit; the pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured over alternating pattern stitches using 4mm needles. Knitters should adjust needle size up or down if their tension does not match this specification.

Pattern Details

The instructions are provided in standard knitting abbreviations including K (knit), P (purl), st(s) (stitch/stitches), dec (decrease), inc (increase), and other common notations. The pattern uses bracketed sizing notation, allowing knitters to follow the appropriate measurements and stitch counts for their chosen size. Multiple shaping rows are included to create fitted armholes and necklines, with decreases worked at specific intervals to achieve the proper garment silhouette.

For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, adding a charitable element to the crafting experience.