Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Aran - 10606 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 10606

This knitting pattern from Hayfield (pattern number 10606) provides instructions for a classic Aran-weight cardigan, worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn. The design is graded across six sizes, making it a versatile project suitable for a wide range of body measurements from 81 cm to 137 cm (32 in to 54 in) chest circumference. Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this cardigan is an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore the satisfying world of cable and textured stitch patterns.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a cable-panelled Aran cardigan, a timeless knitwear classic that features richly textured stitch panels across the body. The cardigan is sized to fit a broad range of adults, with six distinct sizes labelled S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL. Knitters are instructed to follow the pattern instructions specific to their chosen size throughout, ensuring a well-fitted result. The Aran cardigan silhouette is a wardrobe staple, combining warmth, structure, and decorative detail in a single wearable piece.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn, a popular and widely available Aran-weight yarn from the Hayfield brand. Aran-weight yarn (sometimes called medium-heavy or worsted-plus weight) is heavier than DK but lighter than chunky, producing a fabric with excellent stitch definition — particularly important when working cable and moss stitch panels. Quantities are given in grammes (g) and will vary by size. Knitters should use the needle size specified in the pattern to achieve the correct tension, as accurate tension is essential for a properly fitting garment at any of the six sizes.

Techniques Used

This cardigan calls upon a range of intermediate knitting techniques that combine to create its characteristic Aran texture:

• Cable knitting – The pattern makes extensive use of cable stitches worked over four stitches at a time, requiring a cable needle (CN). Cables are formed by temporarily holding stitches on the cable needle while working stitches from the left needle, then working the held stitches, creating the twisted rope-like appearance central to Aran design.
• Travelling stitches – The pattern incorporates T4B (Travel 4 Back) and T4F (Travel 4 Forward) stitches, which move knit stitches diagonally across a purl background, creating diamond and lattice effects characteristic of traditional Aran knitwear.
• Moss stitch (seed stitch) panels – Sections of the pattern use a (k1, p1) alternating sequence that creates a dense, non-curling textured fabric, providing contrast against the smooth cable panels.
• Increasing – Shaping across the six sizes requires increasing (inc) at appropriate points to achieve the correct dimensions for each size.
• Working from a multi-size pattern – Knitters must follow size-specific stitch counts and repeat counts throughout, with figures given in the format 3 [5:8:10:13:16] times corresponding to sizes S through XXXL.

Stitches Used

The stitch vocabulary of this cardigan is rich and varied, reflecting the complexity and beauty of traditional Aran construction. The following stitches and stitch notations appear in the pattern:

• C4F (Cable 4 Front) – Slip 2 stitches to the cable needle and hold at the front, knit 2 from the left needle, then knit 2 from the cable needle. Creates a left-leaning cable twist.
• C4B (Cable 4 Back) – Slip 2 stitches to the cable needle and hold at the back, knit 2 from the left needle, then knit 2 from the cable needle. Creates a right-leaning cable twist.
• T4F (Travel 4 Forward) – A travelling stitch that moves knit stitches forward (to the left) across a purl background, used to create diagonal lines and lattice patterns.