Jacket in Hayfield Illusion DK - 8109 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Illusion DK Jacket Knitting Pattern (8109) – Sizes 32/34 to 52/54 in

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (reference 8109) from Hayfield provides full instructions for knitting a stylish, feminine jacket in Hayfield Illusion DK yarn. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, the pattern is notable for its inclusive size range, spanning bust sizes 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it a versatile choice for a wide range of knitters. The finished jacket features set-in sleeves, shaped shoulders, and a delicate all-over eyelet lace texture that gives the garment an elegant, lightweight appearance despite being worked in a warm double knitting weight yarn.

Garment Overview

The pattern produces a fitted, structured jacket with the following finished measurements:

• Actual bust measurement: 92 cm (36¼ in) up to 146 cm (57½ in), depending on size
• Full length (from back of neck): 65 cm (25½ in) up to 78 cm (30¾ in)
• Sleeve length: 46–48 cm (18–19 in), noted as adjustable to suit individual preference

The jacket is constructed in separate pieces — a back, a left front, a right front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Shoulder shaping is worked using cast-off rows, giving the garment a clean, tailored finish at the shoulders.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to work with simple lace and eyelet constructions. Key techniques employed throughout the pattern include:

• Eyelet lace pattern: The main fabric is worked in a repeating eyelet stitch pattern, creating an open, decorative texture across the entire garment. This involves working yarn-forward increases paired with double decreases to maintain stitch count.
• Thumb method cast-on: Specified for casting on stitches at the beginning of each piece, this technique creates a neat, elastic edge well-suited to lace fabrics.
• Shoulder shaping: Worked by casting off stitches at the beginning of successive rows, producing a stepped, structured shoulder line.
• Tension management: The pattern emphasises the critical importance of achieving the stated tension before beginning, with guidance on adjusting needle size accordingly.

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a small but precise set of stitches and stitch techniques:

• Eyelet pattern: The primary stitch pattern, built from a repeat of K1, yfwd, s2tog, k1, p2sso, yfwd — a six-stitch repeat that creates a delicate, symmetrical lace motif
• Knit (K): Used throughout in the lace repeat and for structural rows
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Creates the eyelet holes within the lace pattern
• S2tog (slip 2 stitches together knitways): Part of the central double decrease used in the eyelet repeat
• P2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over): Completes the double decrease, balancing the yarn-forward increases to keep stitch counts consistent
• Stocking stitch: Referenced in the tension information, indicating it may be used in certain sections such as edgings or facings

Materials Required

The pattern is written specifically for Hayfield Illusion DK, shade 306 (referenced as colourway F250 in the materials section). This is a DK (double knitting) weight yarn, sold in 100g balls. The quantity required varies by size:

• 4 balls for sizes 32/34 and 36/38
• 5 balls for sizes 40