Ladies Round Neck Cardigan & Waistcoat in King Cole Homespun DK

Ladies Round Neck Cardigan and Waistcoat in King Cole Homespun DK

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern provides instructions for creating two complementary garments: a ladies round neck cardigan and a matching waistcoat. Both pieces are designed to be knitted in King Cole Homespun DK yarn and are available in a comprehensive size range from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 to 50 inches), making them suitable for a wide variety of body measurements.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level knitting project that employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with shaping methods to create a well-fitted garment. The pattern requires understanding of basic increases and decreases, working with stitch patterns, and shaping techniques for armholes and shoulders. Knitters will practice tension control and following detailed row-by-row instructions to achieve the correct finished dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, providing a smooth, classic finish
• 1x1 Rib: An elastic ribbed edging created by alternating single knit and purl stitches across the row, used for cuffs, hems, and necklines to provide stretch and structure
• Purl Decreases (p2tog): Purl two stitches together to decrease stitches, used strategically for shaping the waistline and armholes
• Yarn Forward and Yarn Round Needle: Techniques for creating decorative increases and eyelet details

Materials and Specifications

The pattern is worked in King Cole Homespun DK, a double knit weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and warmth. Knitting needles in 3¼ mm (US 3) size are required, though the pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted based on individual tension. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch, which is essential to achieve the correct finished garment size. Knitters are advised to check their tension before beginning and adjust needle sizes accordingly—using thinner needles if achieving more stitches, or thicker needles if achieving fewer stitches than specified.

Pattern Construction Details

The cardigan back is cast on using the thumb method with 133 to 183 stitches depending on size, beginning with 1x1 ribbing for approximately 10 rows before transitioning to stocking stitch. The front pieces are shaped with strategic decreases at the armhole edges and shoulder points, with cast-off instructions provided for multiple size variations. The pattern includes detailed shaping sequences, such as casting off 9 to 14 stitches at the beginning of alternate rows to create armhole shaping, followed by additional decreases to form the shoulder line. The waistcoat follows similar construction principles with its own specific cast-on counts and shaping sequences.

This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable reading detailed instructions, managing multiple size options, and executing shaping techniques to create a professional-looking finished garment.