Ladies Round & Stand Up Neck Sweaters in King Cole Homespun DK

Ladies Round & Stand Up Neck Sweaters in King Cole Homespun DK

What Is Being Made

This knitting pattern provides instructions for two distinct ladies' sweater designs: a Round Neck Sweater and a Stand Up Neck Sweater. Both garments are knitted in King Cole Homespun DK yarn and are available in a comprehensive range of sizes from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 to 50 inches). The pattern is designed at an intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle more complex stitch work and shaping techniques.

Techniques Used

The sweaters employ several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. Cable work is a prominent feature, with cable panels measuring 17 stitches across 7 cm (2¾ inches). The pattern utilizes twisted stitches (T3B and T3F) to create textured effects throughout the garment. Increases and decreases are strategically placed for shaping the body, armholes, and neckline. Slip stitch decreases (s2tog and p2sso) provide refined edge finishing. The construction method involves working the back and front pieces separately with matching stitch patterns, then joining them at the shoulders and neckline.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary base fabric, worked over 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) on 4 mm needles
• Ribbing – created using alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1 pattern) for cuffs and waistband edges
• Cable stitches – worked with a cable needle (CN) to create twisted vertical panels
• Twisted stitches – T3B (twist 3 back) and T3F (twist 3 front) for decorative textured effects
• Yarn forward and yarn over techniques – yfwd and yrn stitches for creating eyelet details and lace-like effects
• Decrease stitches – k2tog (knit 2 together), p2tog (purl 2 together), s2tog (slip 2 together), and p2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over) for shaping
• Make 1 increase – m1 stitch created by picking up the horizontal strand between stitches

Materials

These sweaters are knitted in King Cole Homespun DK, a double knit weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and definition. The pattern requires 4 mm knitting needles (or the size needed to achieve correct tension) for the main fabric, and 3¼ mm needles for the ribbed edges. A cable needle is essential for managing the cable panel stitches. The yarn is measured in grammes, and the pattern provides specific yardage requirements for each size. A stitch holder is necessary for temporarily holding stitches during neckline shaping and construction.

Pattern Notes

Achieving the correct tension is critical for proper garment fit. The pattern specifies that 22 stitches and 28 rows should measure 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. Knitters should adjust needle size accordingly – using thinner needles if their tension produces more stitches, or thicker needles if it produces fewer stitches. The cable panel tension is separately noted at 17 stitches measuring 7 cm (2¾ inches). Both the Round Neck and Stand Up Neck versions follow the same back and front body construction, with variations applied at the neckline shaping stage. For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.