Cape in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed - 7896 - Downloadable PDF

Cape in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed – Pattern 7896: A Detailed Knitting Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (pattern number 7896) from Hayfield provides instructions for a beautifully textured cape, worked in the brand's signature Bonus Aran Tweed yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, this pattern is a rewarding project that produces an elegant, wrap-style cape suitable for a wide range of bust sizes. One of its standout features is that it requires no edgings to be picked up after completion, making the finishing process notably straightforward. The pattern also includes larger sizes, making it inclusive and versatile.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a cape — a sleeveless, flowing outer layer that drapes over the shoulders and falls to a generous lower edge. It is worked in one piece, which reduces seaming and helps maintain the integrity of the stitch pattern throughout. The cape is designed to sit from the back of the neck and flare outward toward the hem, creating a graceful silhouette.

Size Range and Measurements

• To fit bust: 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, and 132/137 cm (32/34 to 52/54 inches)
• Full length (approximately from back of neck): 43, 43, 48, 48, 51, or 51 cm (17, 17, 19, 19, 20, or 20 inches depending on size)
• Width measured around the lower edge (approximately): 135, 147, 159, 159, 171, or 183 cm (53¼ to 72¼ inches)

The generous lower edge measurement gives the cape its characteristic sweep and drape, ensuring comfortable, unrestricted movement when worn.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed (shade 685), a classic aran-weight yarn with a distinctive tweed character. The yarn quantities required are:

• 1 × 400g ball for sizes 81/86 through 112/117 cm (32/34 to 44/46 in)
• 2 × 400g balls for sizes 122/127 and 132/137 cm (48/50 to 52/54 in)

The pattern notes that Hayfield Bonus Aran (without the tweed) is also suitable as an alternative yarn, giving knitters some flexibility in their yarn choice while maintaining the correct weight and tension. Yarn amounts are based on average requirements when the specified tension and yarn are used.

Needles and Notions

• 1 pair of 5mm (UK6 / USA8) knitting needles or a 5mm 100cm circular needle (if preferred for working in the round or managing stitch counts on larger sizes)
• 1 pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles or a 4mm 100cm circular needle
• 1 cable needle for working the cable pattern
• 9 [9:9:10:10:10] buttons, with the quantity varying by size

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described as essential for success with this pattern. The stated tension is:

• 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over reversed stocking stitch on 5mm needles, or the needle size required to achieve this tension
• The cable pattern panel (6 stitches) measures 3cm (1¼ inches) in width

Knitters are advised to adjust needle size accordingly: use a thinner needle if fewer stitches are achieved, and a thicker needle if more stitches are achieved per 10cm.

Techniques Used

Working in One Piece