Hooded Sweater and Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 2424 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool 2424 – Hooded Sweater and Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Children Ages 2 to 13

Pattern Hayfield Bonus Aran 2424 is a children's knitting pattern offering two classic, cosy designs: a Hooded Sweater and a Hooded Cardigan, both worked in the ever-popular Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn. Sized to fit children aged 2 to 13 years, these garments are practical, warm, and full of textural interest, making them ideal wardrobe staples for the cooler months. The hood detail on both versions adds a playful, functional element that children and parents alike will appreciate.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers six sizes, designed to fit chest measurements from 56 cm (22 in) up to 81 cm (32 in), corresponding to ages 2–3 through to 12–13 years. The actual finished measurements allow for comfortable ease, ranging from approximately 60 cm to 85 cm in circumference. Full lengths range from 38 cm to 58 cm, and sleeve lengths run from 24 cm to 42 cm, noted as adjustable so knitters can tailor the fit perfectly to the individual child.

The Hooded Sweater

The Hooded Sweater is a pullover style featuring a richly textured front panel worked in a combination of centre cable and zig zag stitch patterns. These classic Aran-inspired techniques give the garment a timeless, heritage feel while keeping the knitting engaging and varied. The hood is knitted as an integral part of the design, creating a seamless, snug finish that is both stylish and practical for active children.

• Design: Pullover hooded sweater for children
• Key stitch patterns: Centre cable pattern, zig zag pattern
• Yarn shade used in pattern: Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 740
• Yarn quantity: 1 x 400g ball for ages 2–3 through to 10–11; 2 x 400g balls for ages 12–13

The Hooded Cardigan

The Hooded Cardigan version shares the same rich textural stitch work as the sweater, incorporating the centre cable and zig zag patterns across the front panels, but opens at the front with a neat button band. The number of buttons varies by size, with 6 buttons for smaller sizes and 7 buttons for larger sizes (ages 8–9 and above), giving a tidy, secure fastening. Like the sweater, the hood is a key design feature, making this a versatile and practical layering piece.

• Design: Hooded cardigan with button front opening for children
• Key stitch patterns: Centre cable pattern, zig zag pattern
• Yarn shade used in pattern: Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 997
• Yarn quantity: 1 x 400g ball for ages 2–3 through to 8–9; 2 x 400g balls for ages 10–11 and 12–13
• Buttons required: 6 buttons for ages 2–3, 4–5, and 6–7; 7 buttons for ages 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both designs are worked flat on straight needles and make use of a selection of classic Aran knitting techniques. The cable stitch is a foundational Aran technique in which groups of stitches are crossed over one another using a cable needle, creating the characteristic twisted rope or plait effect that has been associated with traditional Aran knitwear for generations. The zig zag pattern creates a dynamic, diagonal textural effect that complements the cables beautifully, adding movement and visual interest to the fabric.

The tension swatch specifies that the centre cable and zig zag pattern across 66 stitches measures 27 cm (10¾ in), with a row tension of 18 rows. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important in