Hawthorne Cardigan in West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Aran Fusions - Downloadable PDF

Hawthorne Cardigan in West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Aran Fusions

What is Being Made

The Hawthorne Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Jo Allport as part of the Fusions Collection. This garment serves as a stylish winter alternative to everyday workwear and is perfect for layering over dresses and skirts. The cardigan features a sophisticated combination of stocking stitch body with cable pattern sleeves, allowing the subtle colour changes of the Fusions Coffee and Cream yarn to become a focal point of the design.

Sizing and Fit

The Hawthorne Cardigan is available in ten sizes ranging from bust measurements of 81 cm (32 in) to 127 cm (50 in). Actual bust measurements span from 91 cm (35¾ in) to 142 cm (56 in), providing options for a variety of body types. The pattern includes shoulder to back hemline length measurements to ensure proper proportions for each size.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture contrast. The body of the cardigan is worked in stocking stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The sleeves feature cable pattern work, which adds dimensional texture and visual sophistication to the finished garment. The ribbed details, likely used for cuffs and hem finishing, are worked in double rib, a technique that creates elasticity and helps the cardigan maintain its shape.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch: Forms the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, flat fabric ideal for showcasing the yarn's colour variations
• Cable Pattern: Decorates the sleeves with raised, twisted stitches that add textural depth and visual interest
• Double Rib: Used for finishing details including cuffs, hem, and likely the button band, providing stretch and structure

Tension and Gauge

Achieving proper tension is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies three different gauge measurements depending on the stitch being worked: 18 stitches and 24 rows to a 10 cm (4 in) square in stocking stitch, 21 stitches and 24 rows to a 10 cm (4 in) square in double rib, and 23 stitches and 27 rows to a 10 cm (4 in) square in cable pattern. All gauges are measured with 5mm needles, making needle size consistency crucial for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Hawthorne Cardigan is designed to be knitted with West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Aran Fusions yarn in the Coffee and Cream colourway. Aran weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn that works up relatively quickly while providing excellent stitch definition, particularly for cable work. The pattern calls for 5mm needles throughout the project, as specified in the gauge measurements. This needle size is appropriate for aran weight yarn and allows the cable stitches to remain clear and well-defined while the stocking stitch body maintains a professional finish. The downloadable PDF format provides complete pattern instructions for knitters working at the intermediate skill level.