Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed - 8101 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed – Pattern 8101

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two beautifully textured cardigan designs worked in the brand's popular Bonus Aran Tweed yarn. Both garments are sized generously, covering a wide range of bust and chest measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern suitable for a broad spectrum of knitters. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, reflecting the combination of cable and textured stitch work involved.

The Two Designs at a Glance

The pattern includes two distinct cardigans that share the same construction approach and yarn base but differ in their neckline styling and finished length:

• V Neck Cardigan – worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 929, this design features a classic V-shaped neckline. The full length ranges from approximately 60 cm (23¾ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in) depending on size, and it fastens with 6 to 8 buttons depending on the size being knitted.
• Stand Up Neck Cardigan – worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 664, this version features a raised, stand-up collar for a more structured, cosy finish. The full length ranges from approximately 70 cm (27½ in) to 83 cm (32¾ in), and it requires 10 to 11 buttons depending on the size.

Both cardigans share the same sleeve length, which runs from 46 cm (18 in) to 51 cm (20 in) and is noted as adjustable, giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit. The actual finished chest measurement includes ease, ranging from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in).

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are knitted using Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed, an aran-weight yarn that brings warmth, rustic texture, and a classic tweed aesthetic to the finished fabric. The pattern notes that Hayfield Bonus Aran is also suitable as an alternative yarn. Each cardigan requires 2 x 400g balls of yarn across all six sizes, making this a relatively economical project in terms of yarn quantity.

In addition to yarn, the following materials are required:

• 1 pair of 5mm (UK6 / USA8) knitting needles – the primary needle size for the main fabric
• 1 pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles – used for ribbing and border sections
• 1 x 4mm (UK8 / USA6) 80cm circular needle – required if needed for picking up stitches around necklines or button bands
• 1 cable needle – essential for working the cable pattern panels
• Buttons – quantity varies by design and size as noted above

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is emphasised as essential to the success of either garment. The pattern specifies 27 stitches measuring 12.5 cm (5 in) over the diamond pattern panel, and 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over Irish moss stitch, both measured on 5mm needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size up or down as needed to match these tension figures before beginning.

Stitches and Techniques Used

These cardigans combine several classic Aran knitting stitches and techniques, giving the finished fabric its characteristic richness and depth. The intermediate difficulty rating reflects the need to work comfortably with a cable needle and follow multi-row pattern repeats.

• Diamond pattern panel – a traditional Aran motif that creates a raised, geometric diamond shape across the fabric, typically formed through a combination of knit, purl, and cable crossings
• Irish moss stitch – a reversible, seed-stitch-style texture that alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence to create a dense, slightly