Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus DK - 10267 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus DK Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 10267

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (pattern number 10267) from Hayfield guides you through creating a classic women's cardigan worked in Hayfield Bonus DK yarn. The design is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters who want to cast on right away. With a relaxed, wearable silhouette and a beautiful textural cable detail, this cardigan strikes a balance between everyday comfort and elegant craftsmanship.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written in three sizes to suit a range of figures:

• Small (S): To fit 81–86 cm (32–34 inch) chest; finished width 135 cm (53¼ inches); full length 60 cm (23¾ inches)
• Medium (M): To fit 102–107 cm (40–42 inch) chest; finished width 155 cm (61 inches); full length 64 cm (25¼ inches)
• Large (L): To fit 122–127 cm (48–50 inch) chest; finished width 175 cm (68¾ inches); full length 66 cm (26 inches)

The sleeve length is a consistent 34 cm (13½ inches) across all three sizes, giving the garment a neat, uniform proportion regardless of which size you knit.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is Hayfield Bonus DK in shade 601 Taupe (yarn code F013), a warm, neutral tone that gives the finished cardigan a sophisticated, versatile look suitable for layering through multiple seasons. Bonus DK is a popular, widely available double knitting weight yarn known for its consistent quality and excellent stitch definition — both important qualities when working cable and textured patterns.

• Small: 5 x 100 g balls
• Medium: 6 x 100 g balls
• Large: 6 x 100 g balls

These quantities are based on achieving the stated tension with the recommended needles. Always check your tension swatch before beginning to ensure accurate yarn usage and finished dimensions.

Needles and Accessories

• 1 pair of 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles – used for the main body fabric
• 1 pair of 3¼ mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles – used for ribbing and border sections
• Cable needle – essential for working the Zig Zag Cable Pattern
• Stitch holders – for holding stitches during shaping
• 4 buttons – the pattern specifies the Sirdar Elegant Button, code BS5611-0587, for a polished, coordinated finish

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is critical for this pattern. Two separate tension squares are required:

• Reverse Stocking Stitch: 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) using 4 mm needles
• Zig Zag Cable Pattern: 25 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) using 4 mm needles

The fact that the cable pattern draws in more stitches per 10 cm than the reverse stocking stitch background is typical of cabled knitting — cables naturally pull the fabric inward, increasing stitch density. Knitters should swatch both sections carefully and adjust needle size if necessary before beginning the main pieces.

Stitches and Techniques

This cardigan uses a combination of classic and textural knitting techniques that make it a rewarding project for an intermediate knitter looking to develop their skills:

Reverse Stocking Stitch

Reverse stocking stitch (also written as reverse stockinette) is formed by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, producing a bumpy