Waistcoat in Hayfield Bonus DK - 10270 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus DK Waistcoat – Pattern 10270: A Detailed Summary

Pattern 10270 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a classic knitted waistcoat — a sleeveless, button-front vest suitable for everyday wear. Worked in Hayfield Bonus DK yarn, this design offers a clean, timeless silhouette with a structured fit across an impressive range of sizes, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, meaning it is well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques but are ready to develop their skills further.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

This waistcoat pattern is designed to fit a wide range of chest sizes, from S through XXXL, covering chest measurements of 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches). The finished garment widths range from 116 cm (45¾ inches) to 162 cm (63¾ inches), reflecting a relaxed, comfortable ease. Full lengths range from 54 cm (21¼ inches) for size S up to 64 cm (25¼ inches) for size XXXL, ensuring a proportionate fit across all sizes.

• Size S: 81/86 cm chest, 116 cm finished width, 54 cm full length
• Size M: 91/97 cm chest, 127 cm finished width, 56 cm full length
• Size L: 102/107 cm chest, 137 cm finished width, 58 cm full length
• Size XL: 112/117 cm chest, 147 cm finished width, 60 cm full length
• Size XXL: 122/127 cm chest, 155 cm finished width, 62 cm full length
• Size XXXL: 132/137 cm chest, 162 cm finished width, 64 cm full length

Yarn and Materials

The pattern specifies Hayfield Bonus DK, a popular double knitting weight yarn, in shade 597 Sand (colour code F013). This is a 100g ball yarn, and the number of balls required varies by size:

• Size S: 3 balls
• Sizes M, L, XL: 4 balls
• Sizes XXL and XXXL: 5 balls

The warm, neutral Sand shade gives the waistcoat a versatile, wearable tone that pairs easily with a wide range of outfits. Hayfield Bonus DK is a well-regarded yarn known for its durability, stitch definition, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for a structured garment like a waistcoat.

In addition to yarn, the pattern calls for buttons — 4 buttons for sizes S, M, and L, and 5 buttons for sizes XL, XXL, and XXXL. The specified button is the Sirdar Elegant Button, code B5611-0904, which complements the classic styling of the finished piece.

Needles Required

Two pairs of knitting needles are needed to complete this project:

• 4mm needles (UK 8 / USA 6) — used for the main body of the waistcoat
• 3¼mm needles (UK 10 / USA 3) — typically used for ribbing and borders to create a neater, firmer edge

Using two needle sizes is a standard technique in garment knitting. The smaller needle creates tighter, more elastic ribbed sections at the hem and armhole or neckline edgings, while the larger needle produces the looser, more open fabric of the main body panels.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the pattern stitch using 4mm needles (referenced as tension code