Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus DK - 10592 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus DK Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 10592

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Hayfield produces a classic, comfortable cardigan worked in the ever-popular Hayfield Bonus DK yarn. Designed to fit a wide range of chest sizes — from 81/86 cm (32/34") right through to 132/137 cm (52/54") — this six-size pattern is an excellent project for knitters who are confident with basic shaping and are ready to work with multiple pattern sections. The finished cardigan features a neat, structured silhouette with set-in or tailored sleeves, a button band, and a tidy ribbed edging, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for everyday wear.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written across six sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL, offering genuine inclusivity in its sizing range. Finished chest widths span from 105 cm (41¼") to 156 cm (61½"), providing generous positive ease across all sizes. Full lengths range from 58 cm (22¾") at the smallest size to 68 cm (26¾") at the largest, while sleeve lengths measure between 41 cm (16") and 43 cm (17") depending on size. These proportions result in a relaxed, wearable fit that works well over lighter layers.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a button-front cardigan knitted in a warm, classic style. It features long sleeves and a full-length button band, fastened with either 6 or 7 buttons depending on the size chosen. The design is clean and unfussy, making it a timeless addition to any handknitted wardrobe. The cardigan is worked in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together, a construction method that gives the finished garment excellent structure and shape retention.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting worked in separate pieces on straight needles, then seamed
• Garment shaping including increases and decreases to form armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline shaping
• Picking up stitches along front edges to work the button band
• Buttonhole construction integrated into the button band
• Seaming to join the back, fronts, and sleeves into a finished garment
• Tension/gauge swatching, which is especially important here as two different stitch patterns are used across the garment

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette) — the primary stitch used across the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric. The tension for stocking stitch is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm / 4" on 4mm needles.
• Mock Rib Pattern — used for the ribbed edgings and borders, giving the cuffs, hem, and button bands their characteristic elasticity and neat finish. The tension for mock rib is 25 stitches and 38 rows to 10 cm / 4" on 4mm needles. The difference in row tension between the two stitch patterns is worth noting when working the pattern.

The use of two distinct stitch patterns within a single garment is one of the features that places this design at the intermediate difficulty level. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions for both stitch types and understanding how tension can differ between them.

Materials Required

The specified yarn is Hayfield Bonus DK in shade 979 Royal, a rich, classic blue tone that gives the cardigan a bold, confident look. Hayfield Bonus DK is a 100g ball of DK-weight yarn, and the pattern requires between 5 and 7 balls depending on the size being knitted — smaller sizes (S and M) need 5 balls, medium sizes (L and XL) need 6 balls, and larger sizes (XXL and XXXL) need 7 balls. These quantities are based on achieving