Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran - 8097 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Cardigans – Pattern 8097: Two Classic Cable Knit Designs in Sizes 32/34 to 52/54

Pattern 8097 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct cardigan designs worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn. Both garments are suitable for intermediate knitters and are offered in a generous size range, from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to a 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust measurement, with actual finished measurements spanning approximately 92 cm to 141 cm. This inclusive sizing makes the pattern accessible to a wide range of knitters. The two designs — a Round Neck Cardigan and a Cardigan with Collar — share the same construction approach and stitch vocabulary but differ in their neckline finish, button count, and length options.

Design One: Round Neck Cardigan

The first design is a classic round neck cardigan, available in a shorter length of 60–73 cm (23¾–28¾ in) depending on size. It is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 715 and requires 2 x 400g balls across all six sizes, making it a relatively economical project in terms of yarn usage. The round neckline gives this cardigan a clean, timeless finish suitable for everyday wear.

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Aran, shade 715, 2 x 400g balls for all sizes
• Length: Short version, 60–73 cm (23¾–28¾ in)
• Buttons: 7 buttons for sizes 32/34 to 44/46; 8 buttons for sizes 40/42 and above; up to 9 buttons for the largest size
• Neckline: Round neck

Design Two: Cardigan with Collar

The second design features a collar detail and is worked as a longer garment, measuring 80–93 cm (31½–36¾ in) in length. This version is knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 671 and requires 2 x 400g balls for the four smaller sizes and 3 x 400g balls for the two largest sizes (122/127 cm and 132/137 cm). The added collar lends a more structured, polished look while retaining the relaxed comfort of an aran-weight knit.

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Aran, shade 671, 2–3 x 400g balls depending on size
• Length: Long version, 80–93 cm (31½–36¾ in)
• Buttons: 10 buttons for smaller sizes; 11 buttons for larger sizes
• Neckline: Collar finish

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are knitted flat using standard knitting construction methods. The pattern is worked in pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and seamed together. Sleeve length is listed as 46–48 cm (18–19 in) and is noted as adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit. Shaping is worked at the armholes and neckline in the usual manner for set-in or shaped construction.

A cable needle is required for both designs, as the fabric incorporates a combination of cable panels and seed stitch (also known as moss stitch). This pairing is characteristic of traditional aran knitting — the cables create rich, raised texture while the seed stitch provides a neat, non-curling background that frames the cables beautifully.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Seed stitch (moss stitch): An alternating knit and purl pattern that creates a textured, reversible fabric. Tension is measured over seed stitch at 18 stitches and 23 rows to 10 cm on 5mm needles.
• Cable panel: A structured panel of crossed stitches creating rope or braid effects. Tension over the cable panel is 27 stitches to 10.5 cm