Tank Top and Sweaters in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 7250 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool 7250 – Sweaters and Tank Top

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield includes instructions for three classic knitwear designs: two sweaters and a tank top (also known as a slipover). All three garments are worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn and are sized to fit a wide range of chest and bust measurements, making this pattern suitable for children through to adults. The pattern covers six sizes, fitting chest/bust measurements from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from 69 cm to 120 cm.

Garments Included

The Sweaters

The two sweaters are classic Aran-style pullovers featuring a richly textured appearance created through the use of traditional cable and panel techniques. Full lengths range from 48 cm (19 in) for the smallest size up to 71 cm (28 in) for the largest, with an adjustable sleeve length starting at 33 cm (13 in) and extending to 49 cm (19¼ in). The sweaters are worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 725, and depending on size, require one to two 400g balls of yarn.

The sweaters showcase the hallmark qualities of Aran knitting — structured, tactile fabric built from a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged into panels and cables. A central pattern panel of 59 stitches measuring approximately 26 cm (10 in) in width forms the focal point of the design, giving the finished garment a bold, traditional texture that is both visually striking and warm.

The Tank Top

The tank top (slipover) is a sleeveless version of the Aran-style garment, ideal as a layering piece or a standalone warmer-weather knit. Its full length ranges from 46 cm (18 in) to 68 cm (26¾ in) across the six sizes. The tank top is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shades 724 and 726, requiring one to two 400g balls depending on size. The use of two shades suggests the possibility of colour blocking or contrast detailing, giving this design a slightly more contemporary feel while retaining the classic Aran structure.

Knitting Techniques Used

All three designs are worked using traditional flat knitting techniques, with pieces knitted separately and then seamed together. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting — using a cable needle to cross stitches and create the signature rope-like twisted columns associated with Aran knitwear
• Rib stitch — typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to create a neat, elasticated edge that retains its shape
• Textured stitch panels — combinations of knit and purl stitches arranged to create moss stitch, seed stitch, or similar surface textures that frame and complement the cable work
• Stitch holder management — stitches are placed on holders at the neckline and armhole shaping sections, a standard technique in garment construction that allows for neat finishing
• Tension/gauge swatching — the pattern specifies a precise tension based on the 59-stitch pattern panel, which is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches — the defining feature of Aran knitting, worked over multiple stitches with the aid of a cable needle
• Knit and purl combinations — forming the textured background and panel sections throughout the body of each garment
• Rib stitch — most likely a 2x2 or 1x1 rib used at the lower edges, cuffs, and neckline for structure and stretch

Materials Required

All three garments are designed for use with Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn, an Aran weight yarn available in large 400g balls