Cardigan & Waistcoat in Hayfield Journey DK - 8191 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Journey DK Cardigan & Waistcoat – Pattern 8191: Detailed Summary

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Hayfield (pattern number 8191) provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs: a cardigan and a waistcoat (vest), both worked in Hayfield Journey DK yarn. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is notable for including an impressive range of sizes, making it accessible to a wide variety of knitters. Both garments share the same elegant cable-and-stocking-stitch construction and are sized to fit bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 92 cm to 143 cm — offering a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

Garment Designs Covered

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a full-sleeved, button-front garment with a classic silhouette. It features a full length of approximately 70–83 cm (depending on size) and an adjustable sleeve length of 46–48 cm. The front bands and neckline are finished with a finer needle to create neat, professional ribbed edges. The cardigan fastens with 7 or 8 buttons depending on the size chosen, adding a traditional, polished finish. It is worked in Hayfield Journey DK shade 552, requiring between 4 and 6 x 100g balls of yarn depending on size.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless version of the same design, sharing the cable panel detailing and overall construction approach. It is a versatile layering piece that works equally well as a standalone garment or worn over a blouse or shirt. The waistcoat is worked in Hayfield Journey DK shade 557 and requires between 3 and 5 x 100g balls of yarn. Like the cardigan, it uses ribbed borders and the same cable pattern for a cohesive aesthetic.

Techniques and Construction

Both garments are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, fronts, and (for the cardigan) sleeves — which are then seamed together. This is a traditional construction method well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with shaping and seaming. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Cable knitting using a cable needle (CN), specifically C4B (Cable 4 Back) and C4F (Cable 4 Front) — four-stitch cables that cross stitches either to the back or front to create a classic twisted rope or plait effect
• Stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), used as the main body fabric alongside the cable panels
• Rib stitch, worked on smaller needles for the welts, cuffs, and button bands, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Increasing and decreasing for sleeve shaping and armhole shaping
• Stitch holders used to hold stitches in reserve, particularly at neckline and shoulder areas
• Working from a repeating cable pattern row sequence, requiring the knitter to track pattern rows carefully

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch — the primary background fabric
• Cable stitch (C4B and C4F) — four-stitch cable crossings worked with a cable needle to create textured rope cables
• Rib stitch — used for all borders, welts, and cuffs to give structure and stretch

The tension for this pattern is set at 11 stitches over 4 cm in cable pattern, and 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm in stocking stitch, both measured on 4mm needles. As with all cable patterns, achieving correct tension is especially important because cables draw in the fabric horizontally, and even small deviations can significantly affect the finished measurements.

Materials Required

Both designs are worked in Hayfield Journey DK, a