Yoke Sweater in Hayfield Bonus Chunky - 8296 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Chunky Yoke Sweater – Pattern 8296

This Hayfield Bonus Chunky Yoke Sweater (Pattern 8296) is a classic, cosy knitted pullover featuring a distinctive colour-striped yoke worked in three shades of Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, the pattern produces a beautifully structured sweater with a relaxed, wearable fit across six sizes, making it a versatile addition to any handknitted wardrobe.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a drop-shoulder or set-in-style yoke sweater knitted in the round of sizes, worked in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — and then joined. The defining feature is the striped yoke section, which introduces colour patterning at the upper body using a structured stripe sequence in three contrasting shades. The sweater is a pull-on style with a ribbed hem and cuffs for a neat, fitted finish at the edges.

Sizes and Measurements

• To fit bust: 81, 86, 91, 97, 102, 107 cm (32–42 in)
• Actual measurement: 83–109 cm (32¾–43 in), offering a small amount of positive ease
• Full length: 58–66 cm (22¾–26 in) depending on size
• Sleeve length: 45–49 cm (17¾–19¼ in), noted as adjustable to suit individual preference

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn in three shades:

• Shade A – 652: 4–6 x 100g balls (the main colour, used throughout the body and sleeves)
• Shade B – 814: 1 x 100g ball (used as a contrast stripe colour in the yoke)
• Shade C – 701: 1 x 100g ball (used as a second contrast stripe colour in the yoke)

Hayfield Bonus Chunky is a popular, budget-friendly chunky-weight acrylic yarn, well known for its durability, wide shade range, and easy-care properties — making it an excellent choice for everyday knitwear. The yarn amounts stated are based on average requirements when working to the specified tension.

In addition to yarn, knitters will need:

• 1 pair of 6½mm (UK3 / US10.5) knitting needles — used for the main body fabric
• 1 pair of 5½mm (UK5 / US9) knitting needles — used for the ribbed welts and cuffs
• Stitch holders — for holding stitches during construction

Tension

The stated tension is 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 6½mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated measurements. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning: if fewer stitches are produced, switch to a thinner needle; if more stitches appear, switch to a thicker needle.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The main fabric of the body and sleeves is worked entirely in stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, classic fabric that drapes well in chunky weight yarn.
• 2x2 rib (K2, P2): The welts at the hem and cuffs are worked in a two-by-two rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a neat, professional edge. This is cast on using the thumb method with the 5½mm needles before switching to the larger needles for the main body.
• Stripe pattern sequence: The yoke features a structured multi-row stripe sequence worked across rows using all three shades. The stripe sequence is as follows: rows 1–2 in Shade C, row