Tunic and Sweater in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool - 7138 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed Sweater and Tunic – Pattern 7138

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two beautifully crafted garments in one package: a classic sweater and a longer tunic, both worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool. Designed for a range of sizes from a 32-inch to a 42-inch bust (dress sizes 10 through 20), these garments offer a flattering fit with generous ease, making them ideal for everyday wear. The pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience, particularly those comfortable working cable panels and following multi-size instructions.

The Two Designs at a Glance

The Sweater

The sweater version is a mid-length pullover with a full length ranging from 58 cm (22¾ in) for the smallest size up to 66 cm (26 in) for the largest. The actual bust measurement across sizes runs from 85 cm (33½ in) to 111 cm (43¾ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed silhouette. Sleeves are adjustable and measure approximately 43–47 cm (17–18½ in) depending on size, giving the knitter flexibility in fit. This makes it an excellent layering piece for cooler seasons.

The Tunic

The tunic version extends the design into a longer silhouette, with a full length of 73 cm (28¾ in) at the smallest size up to 81 cm (32 in) at the largest. It shares the same bust measurements as the sweater but features significantly shorter sleeves of just 8 cm (3 in) across all sizes, giving it a more relaxed, contemporary feel. The tunic length makes it ideal for pairing with leggings or slim-fit trousers.

Techniques and Construction

Both garments are constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques, worked in separate pieces and seamed together. The standout feature of both designs is the prominent cable panel, which forms the central decorative element of each garment. The cable panel spans 83 stitches and measures 37 cm in width at the specified tension, making it a substantial and visually impressive feature that runs the full length of the body.

Cables are a classic Aran knitting technique in which stitches are crossed over one another using a cable needle to create twisted rope-like or lattice textures. This technique gives Aran-weight garments their characteristic richness and depth, and it is central to the heritage aesthetic of both the sweater and tunic in this pattern.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitch – forming the central decorative panel across both garments
• Knit and purl stitches – used to create the background fabric and textural contrast within the cable panel
• Rib stitch – typically used on cuffs, hems, and neckbands in Aran-weight patterns to provide stretch and a neat finish

Key Techniques

• Cable knitting using a cable needle to cross stitch groups
• Flat knitting on straight needles, working back and forth in rows
• Stitch holder usage for managing live stitches during shaping, particularly at the neckline
• Seaming to join front, back, and sleeve pieces into the finished garment
• Tension/gauge swatching – critical for this pattern given the wide cable panel, which must measure accurately for correct sizing

Materials Required

Yarn

Both garments are designed for Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool, a premium Aran-weight yarn available in 400g balls. The sweater is shown in shade 745 and requires 1–2 balls depending on size (with sizes 10 requiring just 1 ball and sizes 12–20 requiring 2 balls). The tunic is shown in shade 747 and requires 2 balls across all sizes. The pattern notes that Hayfield Bonus