Waistcoat and Cardigan in Hayfield Illusion DK & Sirdar Touch - 7856- Downloadable PDF

Waistcoat and Cardigan Knitting Pattern – Hayfield Illusion DK & Sirdar Touch (Pattern 7856)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (reference 7856) contains instructions for two separate garments: a waistcoat and a cardigan, both designed for women and sized to fit bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in). The inclusion of larger sizes makes this pattern particularly versatile and inclusive. Both garments are rated as intermediate in difficulty, making them well suited to knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and are ready to work with two different yarn weights within the same project.

About the Two Garments

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless layering piece, knitted in Hayfield Illusion DK as the main shade (shade 305) with Sirdar Touch used as a contrast shade (shade 009). The contrast yarn introduces a striking textural element, as Sirdar Touch is a super-chunky weight yarn, creating a bold visual and tactile contrast against the finer DK fabric. This combination of two very different yarn weights within one garment is a key design feature of the pattern.

The actual finished measurements of the waistcoat range from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in) across the bust, with a full length of 60 cm to 73 cm (23¾ in to 28¾ in) depending on the size chosen. The lower section of the waistcoat is worked in the super-chunky Sirdar Touch contrast yarn on 10mm needles, producing a chunky garter stitch fabric. Stitches are then picked up along the top edge of this lower section to join it to the upper body, which is worked in the finer Hayfield Illusion DK on 4mm needles. This construction method creates a two-tone, two-texture effect that is both contemporary and eye-catching.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted entirely in Hayfield Illusion DK in shade 306, without the contrast yarn element. It features set-in or shaped sleeves with a sleeve length of approximately 46 cm to 48 cm (18 in to 19 in), described in the pattern as adjustable to suit individual preference. The cardigan fastens with 1 button, giving it a relaxed, open-fronted aesthetic. Like the waistcoat, it is worked across the same range of sizes, with actual bust measurements from 90 cm to 141 cm.

Yarn and Materials

Hayfield Illusion DK

Hayfield Illusion DK is a double knitting weight yarn sold in 100g balls. For the waistcoat, the main shade (305) requires 3 to 5 balls depending on size, plus 1 ball of Sirdar Touch contrast shade 009 across all sizes. For the cardigan in shade 306, between 4 and 7 balls are required. Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when working to the stated tension with the specified yarn.

Sirdar Touch

Sirdar Touch is a super-chunky weight yarn used exclusively as the contrast yarn in the waistcoat. Its thick, tactile quality creates the chunky lower band of the waistcoat, providing a bold contrast in both weight and texture to the DK upper section. Only 1 ball of Sirdar Touch is needed regardless of size, making it an economical addition to the project.

Needles

• 4mm (UK8 / USA6) straight knitting needles – used for the main DK fabric sections
• 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) straight knitting needles – used for ribbing and finer detail sections
• 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) 80cm circular needle – required if preferred for picking up stitches around edges
• 10mm (UK000 /