Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Chunky - 8295 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Chunky Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 8295

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (reference 8295) from Hayfield provides full instructions for a classic women's raglan cardigan worked in Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn. The design is suitable for intermediate knitters and is available in four sizes, covering bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from 91 cm (36 in) to 120 cm (47¼ in). The cardigan features a neat ribbed border, a classic button front opening, and set-in raglan sleeves with an adjustable sleeve length.

Garment Overview

The finished cardigan is a comfortable, everyday layering piece with a relaxed silhouette. The full length ranges from approximately 56 cm (22 in) to 62 cm (24½ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length runs from 46 cm (18 in) to 48 cm (19 in), noted in the pattern as adjustable to suit individual preference. The front opening is fastened with buttons — the pattern specifies Sirdar Elegant Button code S5611 – 0430, with either 6 or 7 buttons required depending on size.

Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — a back, two fronts, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key construction techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on — used to begin each piece, giving a neat and elastic edge suitable for chunky-weight knitting
• Raglan shaping — the defining structural feature of this design, where stitches are decreased at regular intervals on both the body pieces and the sleeves to create the characteristic diagonal seam lines that run from the underarm to the neckline
• Stitch holder use — stitches are placed on holders at various points, particularly around the neckline, to be picked up and worked later for the neckband or finishing
• Rib border — a 1×1 rib is worked at the lower edges and cuffs using the smaller needle size, providing a firm, elasticated finish before the main body is begun
• Tension/gauge swatching — the pattern strongly emphasises checking tension before beginning, as achieving the correct gauge is described as essential to success

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a small but well-chosen set of knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the primary stitch used throughout the main body, fronts, and sleeves, creating a smooth knitted fabric on the right side and a purl texture on the wrong side
• 1×1 Rib (k1, p1 rib) — worked on the lower body and cuffs using the smaller 5½mm needles, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a stretchy, textured border
• Decrease stitches — including k2tog (knit two together) and p2tog (purl two together) and psso (pass slipped stitch over), used during raglan and other shaping sections to reduce stitch counts neatly
• Slip stitch (s1) — a slipped stitch technique used in conjunction with decreases for clean, defined shaping lines

Materials Required

The pattern is designed specifically for Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn in shade 740 (colour code F060). This is a chunky weight yarn, and the quantity required ranges from 5 to 7 x 100g balls depending on the size being knitted. Hayfield Bonus Chunky is a widely available, machine-washable yarn well suited to quick, satisfying knitting projects at this weight.

In addition to yarn, the following materials are needed:

• 1 pair of 6½mm (UK3 / USA 10.5) knitting needles — used for the main stocking stitch fabric