Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed - 7245 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed – Pattern 7245

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two beautifully textured Aran cardigans designed for a wide range of sizes, from a 61/66 cm (24/26 in) chest right up to a 112/117 cm (44/46 in) chest. Both designs are worked in the same yarn and share a classic Aran construction, yet each offers a distinctly different style finish. The pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience of cable and textured stitch work.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Collared Cardigan

The first design is a Collared Cardigan, a smart, structured garment featuring a neat collar finish at the neckline. It is knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 734, a warm tweed-effect Aran-weight yarn that adds rustic depth and visual interest to the cable and textured stitch panels. The collared neckline gives this version a more tailored, classic look, making it a versatile everyday layering piece suitable for both children and adults across the full size range.

Hooded Cardigan

The second design is a Hooded Cardigan, which replaces the collar with a cosy, knitted hood — ideal for casual wear and cooler weather. This version is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 783, another tweed-effect colourway that complements the textured stitch patterns beautifully. The hood adds both practicality and a relaxed, contemporary feel to the traditional Aran styling.

Sizing and Measurements

Both cardigans are offered in six sizes to fit chest/bust measurements of 61/66, 71/76, 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, and 112/117 cm (24/26 to 44/46 in). The actual finished measurements range from 70 cm to 121 cm around the chest, providing a comfortable, slightly eased fit. Full lengths range from 56 cm to 81 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths — which are noted as adjustable — run from 33 cm to 48 cm, making it straightforward to customise the fit to individual arm lengths.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using traditional Aran knitting techniques. Key techniques featured in this pattern include:

• Cable knitting — the central design element, creating the signature rope and panel effects characteristic of Aran knitwear
• Textured stitch patterning — combining knit and purl stitches to create raised and recessed surface designs
• Ribbing — used at the cuffs, hem, and button bands to create neat, elasticated edges
• Collar construction (Collared Cardigan) — a picked-up or separately worked collar knitted to finish the neckline
• Hood construction (Hooded Cardigan) — a knitted hood worked as an integral part of the garment
• Stitch holder usage — stitches are placed on holders to manage neckline and armhole shaping
• Seaming — the garment pieces are worked flat and then joined using standard knitting seam techniques

Stitches Used

The stitch pattern at the heart of both designs is the cable panel pattern, which forms the main fabric of the garments. Supporting stitches include:

• Knit and purl stitches — the foundation of all textured and cable work
• Cable stitches — worked by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, creating the distinctive twisted rope and panel effects of traditional Aran fabric
• Rib stitch — typically a knit 2, purl 2 or similar combination used at borders and cuffs

Materials Required

Both cardigans are knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed, a chunky, tweed-effect Aran-weight yarn available in 400g balls. The pattern notes that Hayfield