Grass Stitch Tunic in Hayfield Bonus DK - THBDK10268 - Downloadable PDF

Grass Stitch Tunic in Hayfield Bonus DK – Pattern Summary (THBDK10268)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Hayfield produces a sleeveless tank top — referred to in the pattern as a Tank — worked in Hayfield Bonus DK yarn. Despite being listed under the waistcoat project category, the finished piece is a relaxed, pull-on sleeveless garment with a generous fit, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for layering or wearing alone across a wide range of seasons. The pattern reference is THBDK10268 and it is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and stitch pattern work and are ready to take on something with a little more texture and structure.

Garment Design and Sizing

The tank is designed with a classic, clean silhouette. It is knitted in separate front and back pieces and then seamed together, a traditional construction method that gives the finished garment excellent structure and shape retention. The back is longer than the front, creating a subtle stepped hem that adds a contemporary design detail without complicating the construction significantly.

The pattern covers six sizes, ranging from a chest measurement of 32/34 inches (81/86 cm) up to 52/54 inches (132/137 cm), making it genuinely inclusive in its sizing range. The finished width at the underarm spans from 47¾ inches (121 cm) for the smallest size up to 67¾ inches (172 cm) for the largest, indicating a relaxed, comfortable ease throughout. Full back lengths range from 30 inches (76 cm) to 34 inches (86 cm), while front lengths range from 26¾ inches (68 cm) to 30¾ inches (78 cm) depending on size.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is Hayfield Bonus DK in shade 993 Aran, a warm neutral tone that gives the textured stitch pattern excellent visual definition. Hayfield Bonus DK is a popular, affordable, and widely available double knitting weight yarn, known for its consistent quality and broad colour palette. Each ball weighs 100g, and the pattern requires between 4 and 7 balls depending on the size being knitted — with smaller sizes requiring 4 balls and the largest size requiring 7 balls.

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus DK, 100g balls, shade 993 Aran
• Quantity: 4 balls (size S) to 7 balls (size XXXL)
• Primary needles: 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles
• Secondary needles: 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles
• Additional notions: Stitch holders

The smaller 3¼mm needles are typically used for ribbed or tighter edging sections such as welts, neckbands, and armhole borders, while the larger 4mm needles are used for the main body fabric. This two-needle-size approach is standard practice in garment knitting and helps ensure that the edges of the finished piece lie flat and maintain their elasticity over time.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern, particularly given the range of sizes and the structured fit. The stated tension on 4mm needles over the stitch pattern is 24 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm / 4 inches. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension swatch before casting on, as even a small deviation from this tension can result in a finished garment that is significantly larger or smaller than intended.

Techniques and Construction

This is a flat knitting pattern, meaning both the front and back pieces are worked back and forth in rows on straight needles rather than in the round. The two pieces are then seamed together at the shoulders and sides. This construction method is well suited to intermediate knitters who are already familiar with basic seaming techniques such as mattress stitch or backstitch.

• Flat knitting on straight needles