Cardigan and Waistcoat in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed - 7248 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed Cardigan and Waistcoat – Pattern 7248

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield includes instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a V-Neck Cardigan and a V-Neck Waistcoat, both worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed yarn. The pattern covers an impressive range of sizes, fitting chest measurements from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making it a versatile choice for knitters looking to create wardrobe staples for children through to adults.

About the Designs

V-Neck Cardigan

The V-Neck Cardigan is a timeless, structured garment featuring a shaped V-neckline, set-in sleeves, and a button front fastening. Depending on the size chosen, the pattern calls for 5 to 7 buttons, adding a neat, traditional finish. The full length ranges from 48 cm (19 in) for the smallest size up to 74 cm (29¼ in) for the largest, with sleeve lengths ranging from 33 cm to 50 cm and noted as adjustable to suit individual preferences. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 70 cm (27½ in) to 121 cm (47¾ in), providing comfortable ease across all sizes.

V-Neck Waistcoat

The V-Neck Waistcoat is a sleeveless companion piece to the cardigan, sharing the same stitch patterns and construction principles but omitting the sleeves for a lighter, layerable garment. It is slightly shorter than the cardigan, with a full length ranging from 46 cm (18 in) to 71 cm (28 in) across the size range. Like the cardigan, it features a V-neckline and button front, making it equally suitable as a standalone piece or worn over a shirt or blouse.

Techniques Used

Both garments are knitted flat in separate pieces and seamed together, following a traditional construction method well suited to knitters with some experience. Key techniques throughout the pattern include:

• Cable knitting – using a cable needle to work both C6B (Cable 6 Back) and C6F (Cable 6 Front) crossings, creating bold, rope-like twisted columns of stitches that add texture and visual interest to the back and front panels
• Textured stitch patterning – a combination of knit and purl stitches worked across the body to create surface interest beyond plain stocking stitch
• Ribbing – used at the welts, cuffs, and button bands to provide neat, elasticated edges that frame the garments professionally
• V-neck shaping – gradual decreasing on both sides of the front opening to form the characteristic V-neckline
• Increasing and decreasing – used throughout for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, and neckline construction
• Picking up stitches – for working the button bands and neckbands neatly along shaped edges

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) – the foundational stitches used throughout both garments
• C6B – slip next 3 stitches to back on cable needle, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle; creates a right-leaning cable cross
• C6F – slip next 3 stitches to front on cable needle, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle; creates a left-leaning cable cross
• Rib stitch – combinations of knit and purl stitches worked in sequence to create stretchy, structured borders
• Textured stitch pattern – a repeating arrangement of knit and purl stitches worked over the main body fabric, giving the garments their characteristic surface depth
• Decrease stitches – worked as knit two together (k2tog) and related methods to shape armholes, sleeves, and necklines