Cardigans in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool - 2355 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed Cardigans – Pattern 2355: Knitted Children's Cardigans in Sizes 6 Months to 9 Years

Pattern 2355 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic children's cardigans worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool. The two designs share the same construction approach but differ in their neckline finish: one features a neat collar and the other a cosy hood. Both are practical, everyday garments sized to fit children from 6 months right through to 9 years, making this a versatile pattern that can be revisited as a child grows.

Designs Included

• Cardigan with Collar – a tidy, traditional finish suitable for smarter occasions as well as everyday wear, knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 797.
• Cardigan with Hood – a more casual, cosy option ideal for outdoor wear and cooler days, knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 800.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern covers six sizes designed to fit chest measurements from 46 cm (18 in) up to 71 cm (28 in), corresponding to ages 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, 6–7 years, and 8–9 years. Actual garment measurements are generously sized, ranging from 54 cm to 81 cm in circumference to allow comfortable ease. Full lengths range from 28 cm to 52 cm, and sleeve lengths — noted as adjustable — run from 17 cm to 37 cm, giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces and seamed, a traditional construction method well suited to knitters who are comfortable working back and forth on straight needles. Key techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric of the garment body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface.
• Ribbing – typically used for welts, cuffs, and button bands to provide stretch and a neat, professional edge.
• Cable knitting – indicated by the requirement for a cable needle, adding a decorative textural element characteristic of aran-weight designs.
• Shaping – including armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline shaping worked through increases and decreases.
• Hood or collar construction – depending on the chosen design, knitters will work either a shaped hood or a folded collar as a finishing feature.
• Button band finishing – the front opening is finished with a neat button band accommodating 5 or 6 buttons depending on size.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows.
• Rib stitch – worked as a combination of knit and purl stitches to create an elastic border fabric.
• Cable stitch – stitches are slipped onto a cable needle and held to the front or back before being worked, creating the signature twisted rope effect associated with aran knitting.

Materials Required

Both cardigans are worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool, a popular aran-weight yarn known for its durability, warmth, and attractive flecked tweed appearance that gives garments a timeless, heritage feel. The yarn is available in 400g balls:

• Cardigan with Collar (shade 797): 1 × 400g ball across all six sizes.
• Cardigan with Hood (shade 800): 1 × 400g ball for sizes 6 months through to 6–7 years, and 2 × 400g balls for the 8–9 years size.