Sweater & Cardigan in King Cole Chunky - 4894 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole 4894: Chunky Knit Sweater & Cardigan Pattern Summary

King Cole pattern 4894 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic chunky-weight garment designs: a pullover sweater and a cardigan. Both are knitted in King Cole Chunky yarn and are sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 81 cm to 107 cm (32 in to 42 in), making them suitable for a wide range of adult sizes. The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty, making it best suited to knitters who are already comfortable with shaping, tension management, and working with textured stitch patterns.

A purchase of this pattern contributes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, reflecting King Cole's ongoing charitable commitment.

The Sweater

The pullover sweater is a substantial, cosy garment worked in King Cole Chunky yarn. As a classic over-the-head style, it is designed to showcase the warmth and texture that chunky-weight knitting delivers so effectively. The pattern incorporates a combination of stitch techniques to create visual interest and structure across the body and sleeves.

• Yarn: King Cole Chunky — a bulky-weight yarn ideal for warm, quick-knit garments
• Needles: 6.5mm knitting needles (size adjustments may be needed to achieve correct tension)
• Tension: 20 stitches and 18 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the main pattern stitch on 6.5mm needles; 13 stitches and 18 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 6.5mm needles

The Cardigan

The cardigan version shares the same yarn and needle requirements as the sweater but features an open front, making it a versatile layering piece. Like the sweater, it is worked in King Cole Chunky on 6.5mm needles and covers the same size range of 81–107 cm (32–42 in). The advanced difficulty rating applies here as well, reflecting the additional shaping and finishing work typically involved in constructing a well-fitted cardigan with button bands or front edges.

• Yarn: King Cole Chunky
• Needles: 6.5mm knitting needles
• Tension: Same dual tension requirements as the sweater — check both over pattern stitch and stocking stitch before beginning

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern draw on a range of classic knitting stitches and construction techniques. The pattern uses knit and purl as its foundational stitches, combined into more complex textured arrangements. The following stitches and methods are referenced throughout:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic fabric
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) — the purl side used as the right side, creating a raised, textured surface
• Garter stitch (gst) — every row knitted, producing a ridged, reversible fabric often used for borders and edgings
• Patterned stitch (patt) — a defined stitch repeat forming the main fabric of the garments, requiring its own tension swatch
• Increasing (inc) and decreasing (dec) — for shaping armholes, necklines, and sleeves
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) — a decrease technique used for neat, directional shaping
• Alternate row working — shaping worked on every other row for gradual, smooth lines

Materials Overview

Both the sweater and the cardigan are worked exclusively in King Cole Chunky yarn on 6.5mm needles. Chunky-weight yarn knits up quickly and produces a thick, warm fabric with excellent stitch definition — particularly well-suited to textured pattern stit