Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool - 8229 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool – Pattern 8229

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents a classic, beautifully textured cardigan design worked in Half Fisherman's Rib, a deeply satisfying stitch pattern that creates a thick, squishy fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The pattern is graded as intermediate in difficulty and is suitable for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, working in rib patterns, and following multi-size instructions. The design is offered in two yarn options — Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed and Hayfield Bonus Aran — making it versatile in terms of finished aesthetic, from a rustic tweed look to a smooth, classic finish.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a women's cardigan with set-in sleeves, a button front opening, and a ribbed hem and cuff finish. It is a full-length cardigan designed to sit comfortably over the bust, with a relaxed but structured silhouette. The garment features pocket linings worked in stocking stitch, adding a practical and polished detail. Buttons are an integral part of the design, with the pattern specifying Sirdar Elegant Buttons (code BS611-0779) to complete the finish.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern is notably inclusive, covering six sizes ranging from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust measurement. Actual garment measurements span from 95 cm (37½ in) to 147 cm (58 in), providing generous ease across all sizes. Full length ranges from 70 cm (27½ in) to 83 cm (32¾ in), and sleeve length — described as adjustable — runs from 44 cm to 46 cm (17¼ in to 18 in) depending on size. The inclusion of larger sizes makes this an especially accessible and welcome pattern for a wide range of knitters.

Techniques Used

• Half Fisherman's Rib: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the body and sleeves. This technique involves knitting into the stitch one row below (abbreviated in the pattern as K1below), which elongates the knit stitches and creates a deeply ridged, elastic fabric that is thicker and warmer than standard rib. It gives the cardigan its distinctive textured appearance.
• Stocking Stitch (st-st): Used for the pocket linings and for shaping sections, providing a smooth, flat fabric ideal for internal structure.
• Thumb Method Cast On: Specified for casting on stitches at the beginning of the back piece, this technique creates a neat, slightly elastic edge well suited to rib and textured patterns.
• Armhole Shaping: Worked by decreasing one stitch at each end of every row over a set number of rows, creating a clean, tailored set-in sleeve head.
• Pocket Lining Construction: Pocket linings are knitted separately in stocking stitch to a specified length before being integrated into the main fabric, a technique that requires careful attention to row counts and stitch placement.
• Stitch Holders: Used to hold live stitches during shaping, a standard intermediate technique for managing multiple sections of a garment simultaneously.

Stitches Used

• Half Fisherman's Rib — the main body pattern, worked using the K1below technique combined with purl stitches
• Knit (k) and Purl (p) — fundamental stitches used throughout
• Stocking Stitch — alternating knit and purl rows, used for pocket linings and shaping areas
• Decrease stitches — worked as k2tog (knit two together) and general decrease methods for armhole and garment shaping

Tension

The stated tension is 17 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the Half Fisherman's Rib pattern using 5mm needles. As with all garment knitting, achieving the correct tension is essential