Ladies Sweater in Hayfield Bonus DK - 8285 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus DK Ladies Sweater – Pattern 8285: Detailed Summary

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Hayfield, reference 8285, provides full instructions for a classic ladies pullover sweater worked in Bonus DK yarn. The design is available as a downloadable PDF and covers six sizes, making it a versatile choice for knitters who want a well-fitted, textured garment with elegant cable detailing. The sweater features a structured body with set-in or straight sleeves, a ribbed hem and cuffs, and a striking central cable panel flanked by reverse stocking stitch sections.

Garment Overview

The pattern produces a ladies sweater with a fitted silhouette suitable for everyday wear. It is knitted flat in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — and then seamed together. The finished garment has a clean, polished look that balances classic cable texture with neat ribbed edges.

Sizing and Measurements

• To fit bust: 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, 132/137 cm (32/34 to 52/54 in)
• Actual measurement: 89 to 140 cm (35 to 55¼ in)
• Full length: 55 to 68 cm (21¾ to 26¾ in)
• Sleeve length: 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in), described as adjustable

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus DK, shade 814 — 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 x 100g balls depending on size
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles and one pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles
• Additional tools: A cable needle and stitch holders

Hayfield Bonus DK is a popular, widely available double knitting weight yarn well regarded for its durability, stitch definition, and value. Its smooth finish makes it particularly well suited to cable and textured patterns, where clarity of stitch detail is important.

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over pattern on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated measurements. Knitters are advised to swatch carefully and adjust needle size as needed — using a thinner needle if fewer stitches are obtained, or a thicker needle if more stitches result.

Techniques and Construction

Cast-On Method

The pattern specifies the thumb method cast-on, a popular technique that creates a firm, elastic edge well suited to ribbed borders. For the back piece, stitches are cast on using 3¼mm needles, with stitch counts ranging from 118 to 182 stitches depending on the size being worked.

Rib Edging

The lower body and cuffs begin with a 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 repeated) worked on the smaller 3¼mm needles. This creates a stretchy, neat border that helps the sweater hold its shape at the hem and wrist. Switching to the larger needles for the main body is standard practice in knitting to achieve the correct tension for the patterned fabric.

Main Body Pattern

The body of the sweater is worked in a combination of moss stitch (or seed stitch), reverse stocking stitch, and a prominent cable panel. The pattern rows establish a structured layout: moss stitch side panels frame a central section that includes reverse stocking stitch and an 8-stitch cable running over 36 stitches of reverse stocking stitch background. This arrangement creates a visually rich, layered texture.

Cable Stitch