Cardigan and Waistcoat in Hayfield Bonus Aran - 7900 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Cardigan and Waistcoat – Pattern 7900

Pattern 7900 from Hayfield is a knitting pattern offering two classic, versatile designs in one downloadable PDF: a long-sleeved cardigan and a sleeveless waistcoat. Both garments are worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran weight yarn and feature richly textured stitch panels that make them ideal projects for intermediate knitters looking to develop their cable and textured knitting skills. The pattern includes a generous size range, spanning 81/86 cm to 132/137 cm (32/34 in to 52/54 in) to fit bust measurements, with actual finished measurements running from 90 cm to 141 cm, making these designs accessible and flattering across a wide range of sizes.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a full-length knitted jacket with set-in or fitted sleeves and a button front fastening. The full length ranges from 70 cm to 83 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length is given as approximately 46 to 48 cm, noted as adjustable to suit individual preference. The front bands and lower edges are worked in a twisted rib using 4mm needles before transitioning to the main body fabric on 5mm needles, giving the garment a neat, structured finish.

The body of the cardigan features a combination of stitch textures that work together to create a richly detailed fabric. A central cable panel forms the focal point, flanked by areas of reversed stocking stitch and a textured pattern worked in twisted knit stitches. The interplay of these three fabrics gives the cardigan a sophisticated, artisan quality that is characteristic of Aran-style knitwear.

The cardigan requires 2 to 3 balls of Hayfield Bonus Aran in shade 683 (depending on size), with each ball weighing 400g. It is fastened with 6 or 7 buttons depending on the size being knitted.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless version that shares the same stitch panel construction as the cardigan, making it an excellent standalone project or a companion piece to the cardigan. It uses the same combination of cable, reversed stocking stitch, and twisted textured pattern, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic between the two garments. The waistcoat requires 1 to 2 balls of Hayfield Bonus Aran in shade 682 (400g balls), making it a more economical project in terms of yarn quantity.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both designs draw on a range of knitting stitches and techniques that are characteristic of traditional Aran knitting. Intermediate knitters will find these patterns an excellent opportunity to practise and refine cable work alongside textured rib and stocking stitch variations.

• Twisted Rib (P1, K1tbl): Used for the welts and bands, this variation on standard rib creates a firmer, more defined edge by knitting through the back loop of each knit stitch.
• Reversed Stocking Stitch: The purl side of stocking stitch is used as the right side of the fabric in certain sections, creating a smooth, matte background that offsets the raised cable panels beautifully.
• C2F (Cable 2 Front): A small two-stitch cable crossing worked to the front, adding a subtle twist detail to the panel edges.
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): A four-stitch cable crossing worked to the front, creating a left-leaning rope cable effect.
• C4B (Cable 4 Back): A four-stitch cable crossing worked to the back, creating a right-leaning rope cable that pairs with C4F to form a plaited or honeycomb-style cable motif.
• T4B (Twist 4 Back): A travelling cable stitch that moves knit stitches diagonally across a purl background to the right, used to create the dynamic, moving lines within the central cable panel.
• T4F (Twist 4 Front): The mirror image of T4B, moving knit stitches diagonally to the left across a purl background, working in conjunction with T4B to form diamond or lattice-style cable formations.
• Textured Pattern: