Jacket in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 8231 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Jacket – Pattern 8231: A Detailed Summary

Pattern 8231 from Hayfield is a knitted jacket worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn, offering a classic, structured silhouette suitable for everyday wear. Designed for intermediate knitters, this downloadable PDF pattern covers six sizes, ranging from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to a 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust, making it an inclusive and versatile design. The pattern is also noted as suitable for Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed, giving knitters the option to add a rustic, textured finish to the finished garment.

Garment Overview

The finished jacket is a full-length outerwear piece with set-in sleeves, a shaped neck, and a front opening fastened with a single Sirdar Elegant Button (code BS611-0779). The actual finished measurements range from 104 cm (41 in) to 151 cm (59½ in) across the chest, with a full length of 68 cm to 81 cm (26¾ in to 32 in) depending on size. Sleeve length is listed as approximately 42–44 cm (16½–17¼ in) and is described as adjustable, allowing knitters to personalise the fit.

Construction Technique

One of the most notable features of this pattern is its construction method. The back and both fronts are worked together in one piece up to the armholes, which reduces the number of seams required and creates a cleaner, more professional finish. This seamless-style approach to the lower body is a hallmark of well-engineered knitwear design and is particularly helpful for intermediate knitters looking to develop their skills beyond basic seamed construction.

After dividing at the armholes, the sections are worked separately to shape the shoulders and neck. The sleeves are worked independently and set in, a classic tailoring technique that gives the jacket its structured, fitted appearance at the shoulder.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – The primary fabric of the jacket is worked throughout in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, flat knitted surface on the right side. The tension is set at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch on 5mm needles.
• Textured stitch pattern – The pattern includes a repeating textured stitch section worked over multiple rows, incorporating combinations of knit and purl stitches in a structured sequence. Rows are repeated in defined blocks (for example, rows 9–18 are repeated as rows 21–30, and rows 9–16 are repeated as rows 31–38), creating a consistent decorative panel or border detail.
• Thumb method cast on – The pattern specifies the thumb method for casting on, which produces a neat, elastic edge well-suited to aran-weight garments.
• Neck shaping – Shaping at the neck is worked using standard decrease techniques, including k2tog (knit two together) and psso (pass slipped stitch over), to create a smooth, tapered neckline.
• Increases and decreases – Standard inc (increase) and dec (decrease) methods are used throughout for sleeve shaping and body shaping.
• Stitch holders – Stitches are placed on holders at key points such as the armhole divide, a common technique in one-piece construction to keep live stitches secure while other sections are worked.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Hayfield Bonus Aran in shade 640 (colourway F119) – an aran weight yarn, requiring 2 x 400g balls for sizes 81/86 cm to 102/107 cm, and 3 x 400g balls for sizes 112/117 cm to 132/137 cm.
• The pattern notes that Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed is also suitable as a substitute yarn, with the same yardage requirements applying.
• Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when working to the stated tension with the specified yarn.

Needles and Notions

• 5mm