Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky - 5683 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans Knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky – Pattern 5683

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole presents a collection of cardigans knitted in King Cole Subtle Drifter Chunky yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, the pattern covers a generous size range of 81–127 cm (32–50 in) chest, making it accessible for a wide variety of body types. The designs combine textural stitch patterns with classic shaping to create stylish, cosy layering pieces suitable for everyday wear.

Designs Included

V Neck Cardigan

One of the featured designs is a V Neck Cardigan, a timeless and flattering style that works beautifully in chunky-weight yarn. The V-neck shaping gives the garment a polished, versatile look that can be dressed up or down. The construction follows a traditional approach, working the back, fronts, and sleeves separately before seaming, which is a well-suited method for intermediate knitters building confidence with garment construction.

The back is cast on using the thumb method, beginning with a neat 2x2 rib border — worked as knit 2, purl 2 — which provides a firm, stretchy edge at the hem. This ribbing technique is a classic choice for garment borders as it draws in slightly and helps the finished piece retain its shape over time.

Cable Panel Cardigan

The pattern also features a design incorporating a prominent cable panel measuring 32 stitches wide and 16 cm (6¼ inches) in depth. This panel is a richly textured centrepiece, combining several cable and cross stitches to create an intricate, eye-catching design. The cable panel is flanked by pattern stitches on either side, balancing the overall fabric beautifully.

The body of this design incorporates Irish moss stitch as a background texture alongside the cable panel, adding further visual interest. Irish moss stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across rows to produce a subtly bumpy, fabric-like texture that complements the raised cables exceptionally well.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Rib Stitches

• 2x2 rib (k2, p2) — used for hem borders and cuffs, providing elasticity and a tidy finish

Textural Stitches

• Irish moss stitch — a classic reversible texture stitch used across the body panels

Cable and Cross Stitches

• C6B (Cable 6 Back) — slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle; creates a right-leaning rope cable
• C6F (Cable 6 Front) — slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle; creates a left-leaning rope cable
• Cr4R (Cross 4 Right) — slip 1 stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the back, knit 3, then purl 1 from the cable needle; used to move a knit column diagonally to the right across a purl background
• Cr4L (Cross 4 Left) — slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front, purl 1, then knit 3 from the cable needle; used to move a knit column diagonally to the left across a purl background

Cable stitches like these are a hallmark of traditional knitwear design. By temporarily placing stitches on a cable needle (cn) and crossing them over one another, the knitter creates three-dimensional twisted rope and lattice effects that stand proud of the fabric surface. The combination of C6B, Cr4R, and Cr4L in this pattern produces a sophisticated interlocking cable motif within the central panel.

Shaping Techniques

• Increases (inc) and