Sweaters in Hayfield Spirit DK - 8264 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Spirit DK Sweaters – Pattern 8264 by Sirdar: Detailed Summary

Pattern 8264 from Sirdar presents two classic knitted sweaters worked in Hayfield Spirit DK yarn: a Round Neck Sweater and a Cowl Neck Sweater. Both designs share the same construction framework and sizing range, making this a versatile downloadable PDF pattern suited to knitters at an intermediate skill level. The pattern includes an impressively wide size range, from a 32/34 inch bust up to a 52/54 inch bust, making both garments genuinely accessible to a broad range of body types.

Designs Included

Round Neck Sweater

The Round Neck Sweater is a timeless, wearable pullover featuring a neat, classic round neckline. It is worked in Hayfield Spirit DK shade 407 and requires between 4 and 6 x 100g balls depending on the size being made. The clean silhouette and straightforward shaping make this an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with garment construction while producing a polished, everyday result.

• Yarn: Hayfield Spirit DK, shade 407
• Yarn quantity: 4 balls (sizes 32/34 to 40/42) up to 6 balls (size 52/54), each ball 100g
• Neckline: Round neck

Cowl Neck Sweater

The Cowl Neck Sweater offers a slightly more contemporary feel, with a draped cowl neckline that adds warmth and style. It is worked in Hayfield Spirit DK shade 413 and requires between 4 and 6 x 100g balls across the size range. The cowl neck introduces a small amount of additional shaping and fabric compared to the round neck version, which accounts for the slightly adjusted yarn quantities.

• Yarn: Hayfield Spirit DK, shade 413
• Yarn quantity: 4 balls (sizes 32/34 to 36/38) up to 6 balls (sizes 48/50 to 52/54), each ball 100g
• Neckline: Cowl neck

Sizing and Measurements

Both sweaters are sized to fit a bust measurement of 81/86 cm to 132/137 cm (32/34 in to 52/54 in), with six sizes in total. The actual garment measurements are generously cut, ranging from 106 cm (41¾ in) to 157 cm (61¾ in) at the fullest size, indicating a comfortable, relaxed fit with positive ease built in.

• Full back length: approximately 72 cm (28¼ in) at the smallest size, rising to 85 cm (33½ in) at the largest
• Front length: approximately 52 cm (20½ in) to 65 cm (25½ in)
• Sleeve length: approximately 42 cm (16½ in) to 44 cm (17¼ in), noted as adjustable to suit individual preference

Techniques Used

Both sweaters are constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques, with separate pieces worked for the front, back, and sleeves before being seamed together. This is a conventional set-in or drop-shoulder style construction typical of classic British knitwear patterns. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Increasing and decreasing for armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping
• Wrap 1 – a short-row technique used to shape the garment; worked by slipping the next stitch onto the right-hand needle, taking the yarn to the opposite side of the work between the needles, and slipping the stitch back onto the left-hand needle. This creates smooth, invisible shaping rows.
• Working to tension – the pattern strongly emphasises achieving the correct tension before beginning, which is standard best practice for any fitted garment
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on holders at the neckline to be worked or grafted later
• Decre