Cardigan in Hayfield Sundance DK - 8142 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Sundance DK Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 8142

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (Hayfield pattern 8142) guides you through creating a classic women's cardigan in Hayfield Sundance DK yarn. The design is notable for its inclusive size range, spanning 81/86 cm to 132/137 cm bust (32/34 in to 52/54 in), with actual finished measurements from 90 cm to 141 cm. Full length ranges from 60 cm to 73 cm depending on size, and sleeves are approximately 46–48 cm with the pattern noting they are adjustable — a welcome detail for knitters who prefer a personalised fit.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's knitted cardigan worked in DK weight yarn. With its structured cable panel detail and classic shaping, this cardigan is designed to be a versatile, wearable wardrobe staple. The pattern includes seven or eight buttons (depending on size) for the front opening, giving it a neat, traditional finish suitable for both casual and smart occasions.

Techniques Used

• Garment shaping: The pattern involves shaping for the body, armholes, and sleeves, making it appropriate for knitters with some construction experience — hence the intermediate difficulty rating.
• Cable knitting: A cable needle is listed as a required tool, indicating the use of classic cable techniques. The pattern features a defined cable panel of 17 stitches measuring 7 cm (2¾ in) wide, which forms a key decorative element of the design.
• Tension/gauge management: Correct tension is critical to this pattern. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge.
• Working with two needle sizes: Switching between needle sizes is used to create ribbing or edging versus the main body fabric — a standard technique in garment knitting that adds structure to cuffs, hems, and button bands.
• Button band construction: The cardigan features a buttoned front opening, requiring the knitter to work neat button and buttonhole bands — a practical skill-building element of the pattern.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch: The primary fabric stitch used across the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface.
• Cable stitch panel: A structured cable panel (17 stitches wide) is incorporated into the design, worked using a cable needle to cross stitches and create a raised, twisted rope or plait effect.
• Rib stitch: Implied by the use of smaller 3¼ mm needles alongside the main 4 mm needles — rib is the standard choice for welts, cuffs, and neckbands in garments of this style, providing elasticity and a tidy finish.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Sundance DK, shade 502 — a DK weight yarn. You will need between 5 and 8 x 100g balls depending on your size (5 balls for the smallest sizes, up to 8 balls for the largest).
• Knitting needles: One pair of 4 mm (UK8 / USA6) needles for the main fabric, and one pair of 3¼ mm (UK10 / USA3) needles for edgings and ribbed sections.
• Cable needle: Required for working the cable panel.
• Buttons: 7 buttons for sizes 81/86 through 112/117 cm, or 8 buttons for the larger sizes (122/127 and 132/137 cm).

Who Is This Pattern For?

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic garment construction and are ready to incorporate cable work into their projects. The cable panel adds visual interest without being overly complex, making it an excellent next step for those who have completed simpler knitted garments and want to