Cardigans & Top Knitting Pattern

Cardigans and Top in King Cole Finesse Cotton Silk DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern provides instructions for creating cardigans and a top using King Cole Finesse Cotton Silk DK yarn. The designs are available in sizes ranging from 81 to 107 cm (32 to 42 inches), making them suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The pattern includes a cardigan with motif as a featured design.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. Knitters will work with stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, classic finish on the right side. Garter stitch is also incorporated into the designs. The pattern requires shaping skills including increasing and decreasing stitches to create fitted garment silhouettes. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked on alternate rows, and back neck and shoulder shaping is included to create a professional neckline and shoulder fit. The cardigan features a spot motif pattern, which adds visual interest through colorwork or textured patterning.

Stitches Used

The core stitches featured in this pattern include:

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch used throughout
• Purl stitch (P) – used to create textured surfaces and pattern definition
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) – created by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side for textural variation
• Garter stitch (gst) – formed by knitting every row for a ridged, reversible fabric
• Yarn overs and yarn round needle – used for creating decorative increases and lace-like effects
• Slip stitches (sl) – employed for shaping and pattern work
• Decreases – including pass slipped stitch over (psso) and knit two together (tog) for shaping

Materials Required

This pattern is designed for King Cole Finesse Cotton Silk DK yarn, a double knit weight that offers a blend of cotton and silk fibers. The pattern specifies two needle sizes depending on the stitch being worked. 3.75mm needles are used for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, while 4mm needles are used for the main fabric sections. The pattern includes two different tension gauges: 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 4mm needles for the main garment, and 22 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the cardigan with spot pattern on 4mm needles. Checking tension before beginning is emphasized as essential for achieving the correct finished garment size.

Pattern Details

The pattern uses a comprehensive abbreviation system to provide clear instructions. Multiple contrast yarns (labeled A, B, and C) are referenced alongside the main yarn (M), indicating that the spot motif likely incorporates colorwork elements. The back piece begins with casting on 97 to 121 stitches depending on the chosen size, and detailed shaping instructions guide the knitter through armhole and neck construction. The pattern includes specific row counts for working straight sections and precise decrease sequences for creating fitted garment shaping. This intermediate-level pattern is suitable for knitters with experience in basic garment construction and shaping techniques.