Cardigans in Hayfield Spirit DK - 8114 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Spirit DK – Pattern 8114: Complete Summary

Pattern 8114 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct cardigan designs worked in Hayfield Spirit DK yarn: a long-sleeved cardigan and a short-sleeved cardigan. Both garments are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad spectrum of knitters. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, simple stitch patterns, and following multi-size instructions.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two wearable, classic cardigans:

• Long-Sleeved Cardigan – A neat, fitted cardigan with full-length sleeves. Sleeve length ranges from 46 cm to 48 cm (18 in to 19 in) depending on size, and is noted as adjustable. Body length ranges from 52 cm to 65 cm (20½ in to 25½ in) across the size range. This version is worked in Hayfield Spirit DK shade 409.
• Short-Sleeved Cardigan – A lighter, warmer-weather version of the same silhouette, featuring short sleeves of just 4 cm (1½ in). This version is worked in Hayfield Spirit DK shade 408.

Both cardigans feature a button band closure requiring 6 or 7 buttons depending on size, and are constructed with separate back, left front, right front, and sleeve pieces that are seamed together on completion.

Actual Measurements

The actual bust measurements of the finished garments range from 90 cm (35½ in) for the smallest size up to 141 cm (55½ in) for the largest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on – Used throughout for casting on stitches at the beginning of each piece, giving a neat and elastic edge.
• Armhole shaping – Worked by decreasing one stitch at each end of every row over a set number of rows, creating a clean, tailored armhole curve.
• Neck and front shaping – Standard decreasing techniques are used to shape the left and right fronts individually.
• Ribbing – Worked on smaller 3¼mm needles to create firm, elastic welts, cuffs, and button bands.
• Eyelet pattern – A decorative stitch pattern forming the main fabric of the cardigans, adding a delicate, lacy texture to an otherwise classic silhouette. Eyelets are created using yarn forward (yfwd) and yarn round needle (yrn) increases paired with decreases to maintain stitch count.
• Stocking stitch – Also referenced within the pattern, used in certain sections of the construction.
• Seaming – The finished pieces are joined together using standard knitting seaming methods.

Stitches Used

• Eyelet pattern – The primary decorative stitch pattern, worked over the main body and sleeves on 4mm needles. This stitch creates small, regular holes in the fabric, giving the cardigans an elegant, feminine appearance.
• Stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) – Used in specific construction areas.
• Rib stitch – Used for welts, cuffs, and front bands, worked on 3¼mm needles to provide stretch and structure.
• Yarn forward (yfwd) and yarn round needle (yrn) – Used to create the eyelet holes within the pattern repeat.
• Decrease stitches (knit/purl together