Jackets in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 7985 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool Jackets – Knitting Pattern 7985

Pattern 7985 from Hayfield is a knitting pattern offering two classic aran jacket designs: a standard-length Jacket and a Long Length Jacket. Both are worked in the ever-popular Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn and are sized generously to fit a wide range of figures, from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) bust right through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad spectrum of knitters. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, so you can get started immediately after purchase.

The Two Designs at a Glance

The Jacket

The shorter of the two designs, the Jacket, has a full length ranging from 56 cm (22 in) for the smaller sizes up to 73 cm (28¾ in) for the larger sizes. It is a neat, structured garment with a classic aran aesthetic, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for everyday wear. The actual finished bust measurement ranges from 90 cm (35½ in) to 146 cm (57½ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. This version of the pattern is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 764, requiring between 2 and 3 x 400g balls depending on the size being knitted.

The Long Length Jacket

The Long Length Jacket extends the silhouette considerably, with a full length ranging from 71 cm (28 in) for smaller sizes up to 89 cm (35 in) for the larger sizes. This longer cut gives the garment a more dramatic, cosy feel — ideal for cooler weather or as a statement outer layer. It shares the same actual bust measurements as the shorter version, ensuring a consistent fit across both designs. This version is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 673, requiring between 2 and 3 x 400g balls depending on size.

Yarn and Materials

Both jackets are designed for Hayfield Bonus Aran, a smooth, high-quality aran weight yarn that is well regarded for its stitch definition — a particularly important quality when working textured aran patterns. The pattern also notes that Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed is a suitable alternative, offering knitters the option of a subtly flecked, rustic finish while maintaining the same tension and yardage requirements.

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Aran (shade 764 for the Jacket; shade 673 for the Long Length Jacket), 400g balls
• Yarn quantity: 2–3 x 400g balls depending on size and version
• Needles: 1 pair of 5mm (UK6 / USA8) knitting needles and 1 pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles
• Additional tools: Stitch holders, a cable needle
• Buttons: 12 to 16 buttons depending on size (12 for the two smallest sizes, 14 for the mid sizes, and 16 for the largest sizes)

The use of two needle sizes is typical in aran garment construction: the smaller 4mm needles are generally used for ribbed welts, cuffs, and neckbands to create a firm, neat edge, while the larger 5mm needles are used for the main body and sleeves to achieve the correct tension and drape.

Techniques and Stitches

As an intermediate-level knitting pattern, 7985 is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the fundamentals of knitting and are ready to tackle the satisfying challenge of aran textures. Aran knitting is a traditional craft originating from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, characterised by its rich combination of raised, interlocking stitch patterns worked on a background of reverse stocking stitch or moss stitch.

Key Techniques Used

• Cable knitting