Sweater in Hayfield Bonus Chunky - 8293 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Chunky Sweater – Knitting Pattern 8293

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (Hayfield pattern number 8293) provides instructions for a classic pullover sweater in Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn. Designed for adult chest sizes ranging from 97 cm to 122 cm (38 in to 48 in), this is a substantial, cosy garment worked in a richly textured stitch combination that gives it a timeless, handcrafted appeal. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters ready to cast on straight away.

Garment Overview

The sweater is a drop-shoulder or set-in style pullover featuring a combination of decorative cable panels and an Irish moss-stitch background. It is sized to give a generous actual chest measurement, ranging from 104 cm (41 in) up to 130 cm (51¼ in) across the six sizes, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit. Full lengths range from 68 cm to 75 cm (26¾ in to 29½ in), and sleeve lengths run from approximately 47 cm to 51 cm (18½ in to 20 in), with the pattern noting that sleeve length is adjustable to suit individual preferences.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Chunky, shade 651 (colour reference F060). You will need between 6 and 8 x 100g balls depending on your size. The pattern also notes suitability for Hayfield Chunky with Wool and Hayfield Chunky Tweed as alternative yarns, though amounts may vary.
• Needles: One pair of 6½mm (UK3 / USA 10.5) knitting needles for the main fabric, and one pair of 5½mm (UK5 / USA 9) knitting needles for the ribbed welts and cuffs.
• Accessories: Stitch holders and a cable needle are also required.

Tension

The stated tension is 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over Irish moss-stitch on 6½mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished sweater matches the stated measurements. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly — fewer stitches than stated means a thinner needle is needed; more stitches means a thicker needle should be used.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further. The construction follows a traditional flat-knitting approach, with separate pieces worked for the back, front, and sleeves, which are then seamed together. Stitches are picked up from stitch holders for the neckband finishing.

• Cast-on method: The thumb method is specified for casting on, giving a neat and slightly elastic edge suited to chunky-weight knitting.
• Ribbing: The welts, cuffs, and neckband are worked in a 1x1 rib (knit 1, purl 1) on the smaller 5½mm needles, providing a snug, stretchy border that frames the garment neatly.
• Main fabric: The body and sleeves are worked predominantly in Irish moss-stitch (also known as seed stitch or double moss-stitch), a classic reversible texture stitch that alternates knit and purl stitches in a shifting pattern to create a subtle, pebbly surface. This stitch is particularly effective in chunky yarn, producing a fabric with excellent drape and warmth.
• Cable panels: Decorative cable panels are incorporated into the design, adding visual interest and structure. Several cable and twist stitches are defined within the pattern's abbreviations.

Stitches and Cable Techniques Used

The pattern defines a number of specific cable and twist manoeuvres worked with a cable needle:

• C4F – A four-stitch front cable: slip 2 stitches to the front on a cable needle, knit 2