Vest in Hayfield Bonus DK - 10597 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus DK Vest – Pattern 10597: A Detailed Summary

Pattern 10597 from Hayfield is a knitted vest (sleeveless pullover/slipover) worked in Hayfield Bonus DK yarn. Designed for intermediate knitters, this project combines classic ribbing with a decorative centre cable panel to create a versatile, structured garment suitable for a wide range of chest sizes. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for home printing or on-screen reference.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a sleeveless vest (slipover) — a timeless wardrobe staple that can be worn over shirts, blouses, or lightweight jumpers for added warmth without bulk. The vest features a classic silhouette with shaped armholes and a neat neckline, finished with tidy ribbed edges. The standout feature is a centre cable panel running vertically up the body, adding textural interest and a traditional hand-knitted character.

Size Range

• S: 81/86 cm (32/34") chest — finished width 88 cm, full length 50 cm
• M: 91/97 cm (36/38") chest — finished width 99 cm, full length 52 cm
• L: 102/107 cm (40/42") chest — finished width 109 cm, full length 54 cm
• XL: 112/117 cm (44/46") chest — finished width 119 cm, full length 56 cm
• XXL: 122/127 cm (48/50") chest — finished width 129 cm, full length 58 cm
• XXXL: 132/137 cm (52/54") chest — finished width 139 cm, full length 60 cm

This generous size range — from a 32" to a 54" chest — makes the pattern highly inclusive and suitable for knitters making garments for a wide variety of body types.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically written for Hayfield Bonus DK, a popular, budget-friendly double knitting weight yarn. The colourway used in the sample garment is shade 583, Pea Green — a fresh, contemporary tone that gives the vest a modern feel while complementing the traditional cable design.

Yarn Quantities Required

• Sizes S, M, and L: 3 x 100g balls of Hayfield Bonus DK
• Sizes XL, XXL, and XXXL: 4 x 100g balls of Hayfield Bonus DK

Note: Ball quantities are averages based on using the specified yarn at the stated tension. Actual usage may vary slightly depending on individual knitting style.

Additional Materials Needed

• 1 pair of 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles — used for the main body fabric
• 1 pair of 3¼mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles — used for the ribbed edgings
• Cable needle — essential for working the centre cable panel
• Stitch holders — used to hold stitches during shaping at the armholes and neckline

Techniques and Construction

This vest is knitted flat in separate pieces (a front and a back), which are then seamed together — a traditional construction method well suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping and finishing. The use of stitch holders at key points during construction is a standard technique that allows the knitter to return to live stitches when working neckline and armhole shaping.

Key Techniques Used

• Flat knitting — working back and forth in rows on straight needles
• Armhole shaping — decreasing stitches to create a neat, fitted armhole opening