Cardigan and Jacket in Hayfield Bonus Aran - 9468 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran 9468 – Cardigan and Jacket Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern 9468 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic, structured designs in Bonus Aran weight yarn: a Cardigan and a Jacket. Both garments are designed for a wide range of sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81/86 cm to 132/137 cm (32/34 in to 52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad spectrum of knitters. The inclusion of larger sizes is a particular highlight of this pattern, ensuring that more knitters can enjoy these timeless, textured designs.

The Cardigan

The Cardigan is a button-front design with a full length ranging from 66 cm (26 in) for the smallest size up to 84 cm (33 in) for the largest, making it a longer, more relaxed silhouette. The actual chest measurement across all sizes spans from 100 cm (39½ in) to 149 cm (58¾ in), providing a comfortable, eased fit. Sleeve length is adjustable, ranging from approximately 46 cm to 49 cm (18 in to 19¼ in) depending on size.

The Cardigan is fastened with buttons — 7 buttons for the two smallest sizes, 8 buttons for the mid sizes, and 9 buttons for the largest sizes — giving it a neat, traditional finish. It is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 815, and requires 2 to 3 x 400g balls depending on the size being knitted.

The Jacket

The Jacket is a longer, more structured garment with a full length ranging from 90 cm (35½ in) to 108 cm (42½ in), making it a substantial, coat-like piece suitable for cooler weather. Like the Cardigan, it shares the same bust size range and adjustable sleeve length. The Jacket is fastened with 6 to 7 buttons depending on size, and is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 816, requiring 3 to 4 x 400g balls.

The Jacket also calls for the use of stitch holders, suggesting more intricate shaping and construction details such as held stitches for necklines or armhole shaping, adding a layer of satisfying technique for the intermediate or experienced knitter.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both garments are rich in classic Aran knitting techniques, combining texture and structure in a way that is characteristic of the Aran tradition. The key stitches and techniques featured in this pattern include:

• Double Moss Stitch – This is the primary background stitch used throughout both garments. It creates a beautifully textured, firm fabric with an alternating knit and purl pattern worked over a four-row repeat. The tension for this pattern is set at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over double moss stitch on 5mm needles.
• Cable Stitches – Several cable variations are used, all worked with a cable needle (CN):
  • C2B – A two-stitch right-leaning cross, worked by knitting into the front of the second stitch then the first stitch on the left-hand needle before slipping both off together.
  • C2F – A two-stitch left-leaning cross, worked by knitting into the back of the second stitch then the front of the first stitch.
  • C4B – A four-stitch cable crossing to the back, created by slipping two stitches to a cable needle held at the back, knitting two stitches, then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle.
  • C4F – A four-stitch cable crossing to the front, the mirror image of C4B, producing a left-leaning rope cable effect.
• Shaping Techniques – Standard knitting shaping methods are used throughout, including decreasing and increasing, as well as passing slipped stit