Sweaters in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed - 7368 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed – Pattern 7368: A Detailed Summary

Pattern 7368 from Hayfield is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic aran-weight sweaters worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed. The two designs — a Round Neck Sweater and a Wrap Neck Sweater — share the same richly textured construction and are sized to fit a wide range of chest measurements, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern that genuinely caters to larger sizes.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Round Neck Sweater

The Round Neck Sweater is knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 713. It features a classic, close-fitting neckline that frames the face neatly and suits a wide variety of styling preferences. The round neck finish is typically achieved using a ribbed neckband picked up and worked on smaller needles, giving a neat, professional edge.

Wrap Neck Sweater

The Wrap Neck Sweater is worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed shade 712. The wrap neck adds a more relaxed, contemporary feel to an otherwise traditional aran silhouette, making it a versatile wardrobe piece that works equally well for casual and smart-casual occasions.

Construction and Sizing

Both sweaters are constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques, with separate pieces worked for the front, back, and sleeves before being seamed together. The actual chest measurements range from approximately 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in), providing a comfortable amount of ease across all sizes. Full lengths range from 64 cm (25¼ in) to 74 cm (29¼ in), and sleeve lengths — which are described as adjustable — run from 46 cm (18 in) to 51 cm (20 in), allowing knitters to personalise the fit further.

Techniques Used

These sweaters are rooted in the rich tradition of aran knitting, a style originating from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Aran knitting is celebrated for its deeply textured, sculptural surface patterns created through the interplay of cables, twists, and textured stitches. Pattern 7368 makes full use of this heritage, incorporating a range of techniques that give the fabric its characteristic depth and warmth.

• Cable knitting — worked using a cable needle to cross groups of stitches over one another, creating the signature rope-like and lattice effects associated with aran garments
• Textured pattern knitting — a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged to create surface interest across the body of the sweater
• Ribbing — used at the welts, cuffs, and neckband to create elasticated, neat edges that help the garment retain its shape
• Shaping — including increases and decreases for armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline shaping, worked using standard knitting decrease methods
• Stitch holder usage — stitches are placed on holders at key points such as the neckline, allowing them to be returned to the needle later for finishing

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a rich vocabulary of stitches and cable movements. The centre pattern panel of 65 stitches is a focal point of both designs and measures 27 cm (10¾ in) in width. The following specific stitch definitions are given within the pattern:

• C4F — slip next 2 stitches to front on cable needle, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle; creates a left-leaning 4-stitch cable cross
• C4B — slip next 2 stitches to back on cable needle, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle; creates a right-leaning 4-stitch cable cross
• C5B — a 5-stitch cable cross worked to the back