Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 8232 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 8232

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (pattern number 8232) from Hayfield produces a classic cable-panelled cardigan worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran or Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed yarn. The design is offered in a generous range of six sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it an inclusive pattern suitable for a wide variety of figures. The actual garment measurements range from 90 cm to 141 cm around the chest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Full length ranges from 60 cm to 73 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length — noted as adjustable — is approximately 46–48 cm across all sizes.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a long-sleeved cable cardigan — a timeless, structured knitwear piece suited to cooler seasons. The cardigan features shaped armholes and is designed to be fastened with buttons. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible after purchase.

Yarn and Materials

Two yarn options are presented for this design, both in the Aran weight category:

• Hayfield Bonus Aran in shade 639 (colourway reference F119) — requiring 2 × 400g balls across all sizes listed.
• Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed in shade 695 (colourway reference F011) — requiring 2 to 3 × 400g balls depending on size.

Both yarns are part of the well-regarded Hayfield Bonus range, known for their durability, stitch definition, and excellent value. The Aran Tweed option introduces a subtle flecked texture that adds visual interest to the cable detailing. Buttons specified are the Sirdar Elegant Button, code BS611-0923 (for the plain Aran) or BS611-0937 (for the Tweed version), with 7 to 9 buttons required depending on size.

In terms of tools, knitters will need one pair of 5mm (UK6 / US8) knitting needles, one pair of 4mm (UK8 / US6) knitting needles, and a cable needle.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension over stocking stitch on 5mm needles is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in). The cable panel of 21 stitches measures 8 cm (3 in) in width. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly — using a thinner needle if too few stitches are produced, or a thicker needle if too many.

Techniques Used

This is classified as an intermediate knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl fabric and are ready to develop their cabling skills. Key techniques include:

• Stocking stitch — the classic combination of knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, forming the main body fabric.
• Cable knitting — stitches are temporarily held on a cable needle and crossed over one another to create twisted rope-like columns of texture. This is the defining decorative feature of the cardigan.
• Shaping — armhole shaping is worked through decreasing and increasing, giving the garment a tailored, structured silhouette.
• Working with two needle sizes — the smaller 4mm needles are typically used for ribbed or edging sections to create a neat, firm border, while the larger 5mm needles are used for the main body and cable panel.
• Make 1 purl (M1p) — a specific increase technique where the horizontal loop between stitches is picked up and purled through the back to avoid a hole, used within the pattern shaping.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use