Cardigans in Hayfield Spirit DK - 8115 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Spirit DK – Pattern 8115: Full Summary

Pattern 8115 from Hayfield presents two classic knitted cardigans worked in Hayfield Spirit DK yarn: a Long Sleeved Cardigan and a Short Sleeved Cardigan. Both designs share the same body construction and are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad spectrum of knitters. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and garment construction but may not yet have tackled highly complex techniques.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two separate cardigan designs:

• Long Sleeved Cardigan – A classic, full-length-sleeved cardigan with a neat ribbed border and a buttoned front opening. Sleeve lengths range from approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in) depending on the size chosen, and the pattern notes that sleeve length is adjustable.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan – A lighter, warm-weather-friendly version of the same design, featuring very short sleeves of just 4 cm (1½ in) across all sizes.

Both cardigans are worked as separate pieces — a Back, a Left Front, a Right Front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The finished actual measurements range from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in) across the bust, with full lengths ranging from 55 cm (21¾ in) to 68 cm (26¾ in) depending on size. This structured, set-in or tailored construction gives both cardigans a clean, fitted silhouette.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using well-established knitting techniques that intermediate knitters will find approachable:

• Thumb method cast on – Used throughout to begin each piece, this cast-on method creates a firm, elastic edge well suited to ribbed borders.
• Flat knitting – All pieces are worked flat on a pair of straight needles, knitting back and forth in rows rather than in the round.
• Ribbing – A K1, P1 rib is used for the lower borders and cuffs, providing stretch and a tidy, professional finish at the edges.
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – The main body fabric of both cardigans is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows), creating a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the yarn beautifully.
• Shaping – Standard knitting shaping techniques including decreasing and increasing are used to shape the armholes, sleeves, and neckline.
• Button band construction – The front opening is finished with a button band worked as part of the front pieces, requiring careful attention to buttonhole placement. The number of buttons varies by size: 6 buttons for the smaller sizes up to 8 buttons for the largest size.
• Seaming – Finished pieces are joined using standard seaming methods to assemble the completed garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – The foundation stitch used throughout.
• Purl stitch (p) – Used on wrong side rows in stocking stitch and alternated with knit stitches in ribbing.
• K1, P1 Rib – A single rib pattern used for borders and cuffs, created by alternating one knit stitch and one purl stitch across the row.
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – The primary stitch pattern for the body and sleeves, formed by knitting all right side rows and purling all wrong side rows.
• Decrease stitches – Used in shaping sections; the pattern references decreasing stitches together (tog) for standard paired decreases at