Round Neck and Stand Up Neck Sweaters in Hayfield Bonus Aran - 7898 - Downloadable PDF

Round Neck and Stand Up Neck Sweaters in Hayfield Bonus Aran – Pattern 7898

Pattern 7898 from Hayfield is a knitting pattern for two classic cable-panel sweaters worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran weight yarn. The pattern covers a generous size range, from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust or chest measurement, making it an inclusive choice for a wide variety of knitters. Both designs share the same fundamental construction and stitch architecture but differ in their neckline finish, giving knitters the option of a traditional round neck or a more structured stand-up neck collar.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Although the two sweaters are closely related, each has its own distinct character:

• Round Neck Sweater: A timeless, versatile silhouette finished with a classic round neckline. This version is shown in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 994, giving it a clean, everyday appeal that works equally well for casual and smart-casual occasions.
• Stand Up Neck Sweater: The same sweater body and sleeve construction, but finished with a neat stand-up collar that adds a touch of refined warmth around the neck. This version is photographed in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 682, offering a slightly more polished aesthetic.

Both garments are described as sweaters, featuring long set-in or drop sleeves with an adjustable sleeve length, and a body length that ranges from approximately 60 cm to 73 cm depending on the size chosen. The actual finished chest measurements run from 90 cm up to 141 cm, providing comfortable ease over the stated bust or chest sizes.

Techniques and Construction

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, reading multi-size patterns, and working cable stitches. The construction follows a traditional flat-knitting approach, with separate pieces worked back and forth on straight needles and then seamed together. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Stocking stitch – the primary background fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating the smooth, classic jersey surface seen across the body and sleeves.
• Rib stitch – typically used for the welts, cuffs, and neckband to provide elasticity and a neat, fitted edge that retains its shape over time.
• Cable panel – a central feature of both designs. The cable panel spans 22 stitches and measures 10 cm wide, worked using a cable needle to cross groups of stitches and create the characteristic twisted rope or plait effect that is synonymous with Aran-style knitwear.
• Stitch holders – used to hold live stitches, particularly around the neckline, so they can be picked up later to work the neckband or stand-up collar neatly.
• Shaping – armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline shaping are all included, requiring the knitter to work decreases and, where appropriate, increases to achieve the correct silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (St st) – the foundational fabric stitch used across the main body panels and sleeves.
• Rib stitch – used for all edgings, cuffs, and neckbands to add stretch and structure.
• Cable stitch – the decorative panel stitch, worked over 22 stitches with the aid of a cable needle, creating the signature Aran texture.

Yarn and Materials

Both sweaters are designed to be knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran, a popular, widely available Aran weight yarn. Each sweater requires two 400g balls of Hayfield Bonus Aran across all six sizes, making this a relatively economical project in terms of yarn usage. The pattern also notes that the designs are suitable for Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed, which would introduce a subtle flecked texture to the finished fabric while maintaining the same knitting tension and yardage requirements.

The recommended needles