Sweater in Hayfield Bonus Chunky - 8291 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Chunky Sweater – Knitting Pattern 8291

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Hayfield provides full instructions for a classic, comfortable pullover sweater worked in Bonus Chunky yarn. The design is available in four sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), with actual finished measurements spanning 90 cm to 121 cm across the chest. The full length of the finished sweater ranges from 60 cm to 70 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 46 cm to 48 cm, noted as adjustable to suit individual preferences.

Design Overview

The sweater is a straightforward, wearable everyday garment with a clean silhouette. It features set-in or shaped sleeves worked separately and then joined to the body, along with neat shoulder shaping achieved through cast-off sequences. The neckline is shaped with gradual decreases on alternating rows, creating a smooth, finished edge. Both sleeves are worked identically, making the construction process efficient and well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping but may not yet have tackled highly complex construction methods.

Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – The main body and sleeves are worked entirely in stocking stitch, knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic fabric.
• 1x1 Rib – The sleeve cuffs are worked in single rib (knit one, purl one alternating), providing a stretchy, neat finish that helps the cuff sit snugly at the wrist.
• Thumb method cast-on – Specified for casting on sleeve stitches, this technique creates a firm, elastic edge well suited to chunky-weight ribbing.
• Neck shaping with decreases – Stitches are decreased at the neck edge on the next row and then on every following alternate row, sculpting the neckline gradually for a smooth curve.
• Shoulder shaping – Worked by casting off a set number of stitches at the beginning of designated rows, creating a stepped shoulder seam that aligns neatly when the garment is assembled.
• Sleeve shaping with paired increases – One stitch is increased at each end of the sleeve on a specified row and then on every following 10th, 8th, or 6th row (depending on size), tapering the sleeve from cuff to underarm in a gradual, well-proportioned manner.
• Stitch holders – Used to hold live stitches during neck and shoulder shaping, keeping them secure until they are needed for finishing.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – The foundational stitch used throughout the right-side rows of the stocking stitch fabric.
• Purl (p) – Worked on wrong-side rows of stocking stitch and alternated with knit stitches in the ribbed sections.
• Decrease (dec) – Used at the neck edge and at the centre of the sleeve rib row to reduce stitch counts precisely as directed.
• Increase (inc) – Applied at each end of sleeve rows at regular intervals to build the sleeve width from cuff to underarm.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn in shade 846, a 100g chunky-weight ball. The number of balls required ranges from 5 balls for the smallest size up to 8 balls for the largest size. The yarn amounts stated are based on average requirements when the specified tension and yarn are used, so knitters with a looser or tighter gauge may need to adjust accordingly.

• 6½mm (UK 3 – USA 10.5) knitting needles – Used for the main body and sleeves worked in stocking stitch.
• 5½mm (UK 5 – USA 9) knitting needles – Used for the ribbed cuff sections at the start of each sleeve.
• Stitch holders – Required for holding stitches during neck and shoulder shaping.

Tension