Cardigan and Waistcoat in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool - 7135 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Cardigan and Waistcoat in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool – Design 7135

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield includes instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a Shawl Collared Cardigan and a Shawl Collared Waistcoat, both worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed. These are timeless, wardrobe-staple pieces that combine elegant textured cabling with the rustic warmth of an aran-weight tweed yarn, making them ideal for cooler seasons. The pattern is graded across six women's dress sizes, from a size 10 through to a size 20, with actual bust measurements ranging from 83 cm (32¾ in) to 109 cm (43 in).

About the Designs

Shawl Collared Cardigan

The Shawl Collared Cardigan is a full-sleeved, long-line knitted jacket featuring a distinctive shawl collar — a soft, wide, folded collar that drapes elegantly around the neckline and front opening. This style of collar adds a cosy, relaxed sophistication and is a hallmark of traditional aran knitwear. The cardigan features a cable panel of 74 stitches, which measures 34 cm (13½ in) in width, forming a central decorative feature of the garment. The full length ranges from 68 cm to 76 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 43–47 cm, noted as adjustable to suit individual preferences.

This cardigan is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 744, requiring 2 x 400g balls across all six sizes — a testament to the generous weight of the yarn and the efficiency of the pattern. It is fastened with 6 or 7 buttons depending on the size chosen.

Shawl Collared Waistcoat

The Shawl Collared Waistcoat is a sleeveless version of the same design concept, sharing the shawl collar feature and the cable panel detailing. It offers a versatile layering piece that can be worn over shirts, blouses, or lightweight jumpers. The waistcoat is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 746, requiring 1 x 400g ball for size 10 and 2 x 400g balls for sizes 12 through 20. Like the cardigan, it is fastened with 6 or 7 buttons depending on size.

Knitting Techniques Used

Both designs draw on a combination of classic knitting techniques that are well-suited to confident beginner and intermediate knitters familiar with aran-style knitting:

• Cable knitting — the centrepiece of both designs, worked over a 74-stitch panel. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing the characteristic twisted rope and lattice effects associated with traditional aran knitwear.
• Stocking stitch — used across the main body sections, creating a smooth, classic fabric. The tension is set at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch on 5mm needles.
• Shawl collar construction — a shaped, knitted collar that is worked as part of the front bands and sewn or picked up to create the characteristic wide, draped neckline.
• Ribbing — typically used at cuffs, hems, and welts in aran-weight patterns to provide elasticity and a neat finish, though specific rib details are contained within the full pattern instructions.
• Shaping techniques — including increases and decreases to shape armholes, sleeves (on the cardigan), and necklines across all six sizes.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (St st) — the primary background stitch, worked by alternating knit and purl rows.
• Cable stitches — worked across the central 74-stitch cable panel, requiring the use of a cable needle to hold stitches at the front or back of the work.
• Rib stitch — used for borders and edgings to provide structure