Cardigans in Hayfield Colour Rich Chunky - 7300 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Colour Rich Chunky – Pattern 7300

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield includes instructions for two distinct cardigan designs worked in Hayfield Colour Rich Chunky yarn: a V Neck Cardigan and a Round Neck Cardigan. Both are cosy, substantial garments suited to cooler weather, and the chunky weight yarn means they knit up relatively quickly while delivering impressive texture and warmth. The pattern covers six sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from 85 cm (33½ in) to 112 cm (44 in), giving a comfortable, relaxed ease across all sizes.

Design Details

V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan features a classic open neckline that creates a flattering, versatile silhouette suitable for layering. The V-shaped neckline is a timeless detail that elongates the neck and works equally well dressed up or worn casually. This version is worked in Hayfield Colour Rich Chunky shade 387 and requires 5 to 6 buttons depending on size, fastening the front band neatly. The full length of the garment ranges from 58 cm (22¾ in) to 66 cm (26 in) across the size range, and the sleeve length is adjustable, with a guide measurement of approximately 43 cm to 47 cm (17 in to 18½ in).

Round Neck Cardigan

The Round Neck Cardigan offers a more traditional, cosy neckline finish, making it an excellent everyday wardrobe staple. This design is worked in Hayfield Colour Rich Chunky shade 384 and uses 7 to 8 buttons depending on size, reflecting its slightly longer or more structured button band compared to the V neck version. Length and sleeve measurements follow the same range as the V neck design, ensuring a consistent, well-proportioned fit across both styles.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically front panels, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key techniques used throughout this pattern include:

• Cable knitting – a cable needle is required, indicating that one or both cardigans feature cable panel detailing, which adds beautiful raised texture and visual interest to the fabric
• Moss stitch – used as a primary stitch pattern across sections of the garment, creating a firm, slightly textured fabric with excellent drape and structure
• Shaping – armhole, neckline, and sleeve cap shaping are worked using standard knitting increases and decreases
• Stitch holders – used to hold live stitches during neckline and shoulder shaping, a common technique in garment construction
• Button band finishing – both cardigans include a worked button band or button band pick-up, requiring neat finishing skills

Stitches Used

• Moss stitch – the main body fabric is worked in moss stitch, which alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence to produce a dense, non-curling, textured surface ideal for outerwear
• Cable stitch panel – a 12-stitch cable panel is a defined feature of the pattern; this panel measures 7 cm wide and is worked using a cable needle to cross stitches and create the signature rope or twist effect associated with traditional knitwear
• Rib stitch – likely used for cuffs and welts as is standard in chunky cardigan construction at this gauge

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting garment. The stated tension for this pattern is 12 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over moss stitch. The cable panel of 12 stitches measures 7 cm in width. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size if necessary to match these figures exactly.

Materials Required

Yarn