Hooded Jacket and Sweater in Hayfield Baby Aran - 4532 - Downloadable PDF

Hooded Jacket and Sweater in Hayfield Baby Aran – Pattern 4532

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield includes instructions for two charming baby and children's garments: a Hooded Sweater and a Hooded Jacket, both worked in Hayfield Baby Aran yarn. The pattern covers six sizes, ranging from birth (0–6 months) through to 7 years, making it a versatile pattern that can grow with a child or be knitted as a gift for a range of ages. Both designs feature a cosy hood, giving them a practical and adorable finish ideal for cooler weather.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two distinct but related garments:

• Hooded Sweater – A pullover-style top with a hood, worked in a combination of textured stitch patterns. It is designed to be pulled on over the head.
• Hooded Jacket – An open-front, button-fastening cardigan-style jacket with a hood. It features 5 to 6 buttons depending on the size being made (5 buttons for sizes 0–6 months through 3 years, and 6 buttons for sizes 4–5 and 6–7 years).

Both garments are sized to fit chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 46 cm to 70 cm to allow for comfortable ease. Sleeve lengths are noted as adjustable, ranging from approximately 15 cm to 33 cm across the size range.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted in Hayfield Baby Aran, a soft aran-weight yarn well suited to baby and children's knitwear. The two colourways specified in the pattern are:

• Shade 405 – used for the Hooded Sweater
• Shade 435 – used for the Hooded Jacket

Yarn quantities are given in 100g balls, with requirements ranging from 2 balls for the smallest sizes up to 4 balls for the largest size (6–7 years). These amounts are based on average requirements when the stated tension and yarn are used.

In addition to yarn, the following materials are required:

• 5mm (UK6 / USA8) knitting needles – used for the main fabric
• 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles – used for smaller-scale sections such as ribbing
• Stitch holders – for holding stitches while working other sections
• A cable needle (CN) – essential for working the cable stitch panels
• Buttons – 5 or 6 buttons required for the Hooded Jacket, depending on size

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described in the pattern as essential to ensure success. The stated tensions are:

• Wheatear cable panels: 16 stitches measures 6.5 cm (2½ in) on 5mm needles
• Wheatear cable panels: 30 stitches measures 12 cm (4¾ in) on 5mm needles
• Rice stitch: 20 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (4 in) on 5mm needles

Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as needed — using a thinner needle if fewer stitches are achieved, or a thicker needle if more stitches are achieved over the same measurement.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

These garments combine two beautifully textured stitch patterns that give the finished pieces a classic, heirloom quality:

• Wheatear Cable Panels – A decorative cable pattern that forms the visual centrepiece of both garments. Cable knitting involves slipping stitches onto a cable