Cardigans in Hayfield Fiesta DK - 7286 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Fiesta DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting two cardigan designs in Hayfield Fiesta DK yarn: a long-sleeved cardigan and a short-sleeved cardigan. Both styles are available in six size options ranging from 61/66cm (24/26 inches) chest/bust measurement up to 112/117cm (44/46 inches), making these versatile projects suitable for a wide range of body sizes. The cardigans feature adjustable sleeve lengths and are designed as button-front closures.

Techniques Used

These cardigan patterns employ fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for crafters with basic to intermediate skill levels. The construction involves working flat pieces that are subsequently seamed together. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to create fitted garments with shaped armholes and sleeve caps. The patterns include ribbed edgings at the cuffs, hem, and button bands, which require working in knit and purl combinations to create the characteristic textured borders that provide elasticity and structure to the finished pieces.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in these cardigan patterns are stockinette stitch, which forms the main fabric body, and ribbing, used for the functional and decorative edgings throughout the garments. The ribbed sections appear at the wrist cuffs, lower hem, and front button bands, providing stretch and a polished finish to the cardigans.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Fiesta DK in two colorway options: shade 507 for the long-sleeved cardigan (requiring 3 to 6 100g balls depending on size) or shade 504 for the short-sleeved cardigan (requiring 2 to 4 100g balls depending on size). Fiesta DK is a double knitting weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and definition.
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) knitting needles for working the main fabric and one pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) knitting needles for the ribbed edgings. The smaller needle size creates the tighter gauge necessary for elastic ribbing.
• Additional Notions: A cable needle for any cable techniques and one button for the cardigan closure.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the cardigans to fit as intended. The long-sleeved cardigan offers adjustable sleeve length, with the short-sleeved version featuring a fixed 3cm (1¼ inch) length. Full garment lengths range from approximately 38cm (15 inches) for the smallest size to 56cm (22 inches) for the largest size, with sleeve lengths on the long version ranging from 33cm to 48cm depending on the size selected.