Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Aran - 7799- Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Cardigan Knitting Pattern 7799 – Sizes 32/34 to 52/54 in

Pattern 7799 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a classic Aran-weight cardigan, designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it an inclusive design that caters to a wide range of sizes. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines timeless texture work with a structured, wearable silhouette — ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore cable and panel knitting.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic cable-panel cardigan worked in Aran-weight yarn. The finished garment features a full-length front opening, set-in or structured sleeves with an adjustable sleeve length, and a neat, fitted body. Actual finished measurements range from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in) across the bust, with a full length of approximately 60 to 73 cm (23¾ to 28¾ in) depending on size. Sleeve length is given as approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in) and is noted as adjustable, giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit. The cardigan is fastened with 7 or 8 buttons depending on the size being worked.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting – A central feature of this pattern is the cable panel, which forms a decorative textured column on the garment. The panel begins at 36 stitches, increases to 40 stitches, and then decreases back to 36 stitches, spanning a width of 19 cm (7½ in). This kind of shaping within a cable panel requires careful stitch management and attention to pattern repeats.
• Stocking stitch – The main body fabric surrounding the cable panel is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), providing a smooth, classic background that contrasts beautifully with the textured cables.
• Ribbing – Typical of Aran cardigans, ribbed edgings are used at the cuffs, hem, and button bands to provide elasticity and a neat, professional finish.
• Shaping – The pattern includes standard garment shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to shape the body, armholes, and sleeves, as expected of an intermediate-level project.
• Button band construction – Working neat, even button and buttonhole bands is an important finishing technique required to complete this cardigan.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary background stitch throughout the body and sleeves
• Cable stitches – worked over the central panel, creating the signature Aran rope or twist cable effect using a cable needle
• Rib stitch – used for borders, cuffs, and edgings to add stretch and structure

Materials Required

The pattern is designed specifically for Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn, with the colourway shown being shade 694 (F119). Each size requires 2 x 400g balls of Hayfield Bonus Aran, making this a relatively economical project in terms of yarn quantity. The pattern also notes that Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed is a suitable alternative yarn, offering knitters a subtly textured, tweedy finish if preferred.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required:

• 5mm needles (UK6 / USA8) – used for the main body fabric and cable panel
• 4mm needles (UK8 / USA6) – used for the ribbed edgings and borders
• A cable needle is also required for working the cable panel stitches

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The cable pattern panel