Waistcoat & Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed - 7369 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed Waistcoat & Cardigan – Pattern 7369

Pattern 7369 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic knitwear designs in one package: a V-Neck Waistcoat and a V-Neck Cardigan, both worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed. The pattern is generously sized, covering six sizes from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to a 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust, with actual measurements ranging from 90 cm to 140 cm, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking inclusive sizing. Both garments share the same elegant textured and cable-panel construction, giving them a timeless, heritage feel that suits a wide range of knitters from the adventurous intermediate to the confident beginner.

The Two Designs at a Glance

V-Neck Waistcoat

The V-Neck Waistcoat is a sleeveless layering piece, ideal for adding warmth and texture without bulk. Its full length ranges from 60 cm to 68 cm depending on size, making it a comfortable, wearable length that sits at or just below the hip. The waistcoat is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 714 and requires between 1 and 2 x 400g balls depending on size — a very economical use of yarn. The V-neckline gives it a smart, tailored appearance, and the absence of sleeves makes it a quicker project than the cardigan, well suited to knitters who want a satisfying finish in less time.

V-Neck Cardigan

The V-Neck Cardigan is the longer, sleeved companion piece. It shares the same body length as the waistcoat but adds set-in or shaped sleeves with a length of 46 cm to 48 cm (adjustable to suit the wearer). The cardigan is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 712 and requires 2 x 400g balls across all sizes, reflecting the additional yarn needed for the sleeves. Like the waistcoat, it features a classic V-neckline and the same richly textured stitch panels throughout the body. Both garments are fastened with buttons — 6 or 7 buttons depending on size — giving a neat, traditional finish to the front bands.

Techniques Used

Both designs make use of a combination of knitting techniques that place them firmly in the intermediate skill range. The most prominent technique is cable knitting, worked with a cable needle to create the signature rope and twist patterns that are central to the aran tradition. A variety of cable crossings are used throughout, adding depth and movement to the fabric. In addition to cables, a textured pattern forms the background fabric of both garments, providing visual interest between the cable panels.

Knitters will also use standard shaping techniques including increasing and decreasing to shape the armholes, V-neckline, and sleeve head. The V-neck requires careful symmetrical shaping on both sides of the front, and the cardigan's sleeves involve gradual shaping along the sleeve seam. Ribbing is used for the welts, cuffs, and button bands, worked on smaller 4mm needles to create a neat, elasticated edge.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a rich vocabulary of stitches and cable movements. Key stitches and abbreviations defined in the pattern include:

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) — the foundational stitches used throughout, forming both the ribbing and the textured background pattern
• C2B and C2F — two-stitch cable crossings to the back and front, creating small twist details
• C4B and C4F — four-stitch cable crossings to the back and front, producing the classic rope cable effect
• C3R and C3L — three-stitch cables travelling to the right and left, used to create diagonal movement within cable panels
• T2B and T2F — two-stitch twist stitches combining knit and purl, used to move cable stitches across a purl background and create lattice or honeycomb effects
• Decrease stitches (k