V-Neck Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus DK - 8287 - Downloadable PDF

V-Neck Cardigan Knitting Pattern in Hayfield Bonus DK – Pattern 8287

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Hayfield produces a classic V-neck cardigan worked in Bonus DK yarn. The design is a timeless, structured garment featuring a shaped V-neckline, set-in sleeves, a button band, and a neat ribbed-style border, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for everyday wear. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and covers four chest sizes, ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), with actual finished measurements spanning 94 cm to 125 cm to allow for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Garment Overview and Sizing

The V-neck cardigan is knitted in separate pieces — a back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together in the traditional construction method. The full length of the finished garment ranges from 61 cm to 74 cm depending on the chosen size, and the sleeve length, noted as adjustable, ranges from 46 cm to 52 cm, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit to their individual arm length. Six Sirdar Elegant Buttons (button code B5611-0211) are used to fasten the cardigan, adding a polished, ready-to-wear finish.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs a range of knitting techniques that make it well suited to an intermediate-level knitter. Key construction techniques include:

• Shaping the armholes — stitches are decreased at each end of every row over 9 to 11 rows (depending on size) to create a neat set-in sleeve head.
• V-neck shaping — the neckline is worked by dividing the fronts and gradually decreasing stitches to form the characteristic V shape.
• Increasing and decreasing — used throughout the body and sleeves to achieve the correct silhouette.
• Adjustable sleeve length — the pattern allows knitters to modify sleeve length before the sleeve cap shaping begins, making it adaptable for different arm lengths.
• Seaming — the finished pieces are joined using standard knitting seam methods.
• Button band construction — a circular needle is used to pick up and work the front bands and neckband, ensuring an even, professional finish around the V-neck opening and button placket.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of two primary stitch patterns, each serving a distinct purpose in the overall design:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the main body fabric of the cardigan is worked in stocking stitch, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This produces the smooth, classic fabric associated with traditional knitwear and is worked on 4mm needles.
• Double moss stitch — used as a textural detail within the pattern, double moss stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across two rows, creating a subtle, attractive raised texture that contrasts with the stocking stitch body.
• Single rib-style border — the lower edges and cuffs are worked on 3¼mm needles using a 1×1 rib-style arrangement (knit 1, purl 1) to provide elasticity and a neat, fitted edge.
• Garter stitch rows — four knit rows are worked at a transitional point in the back construction, adding a subtle ridge detail before armhole shaping begins.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Hayfield Bonus DK yarn, a popular, widely available double knitting weight yarn known for its excellent stitch definition and ease of care. The colourway used in the pattern sample is shade 904. Yarn quantities required are:

• 5 x 100g balls for sizes 81/86 cm and 91/97 cm
• 6 x 100g balls for size 102/107 cm
• 7 x 100g balls for sizes 112/117 cm

These quantities are