Man's Cardigan in Hayfield Bonus Chunky - 8294 - Downloadable PDF

Man's Chunky Knit Cardigan – Hayfield Bonus Chunky Pattern 8294

Pattern 8294 from Hayfield is a classic man's cardigan knitted in Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn. Designed for the intermediate knitter, this pattern produces a structured, full-length cardigan with set-in or shaped sleeves, button bands, and a neat ribbed border — all worked in the satisfying texture of Irish moss stitch. The chunky weight yarn and larger needle size mean the fabric grows quickly, making this an achievable project for those who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable reading multi-size patterns and shaping instructions.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a men's button-front cardigan with a full-length body, long sleeves, and a classic fit. It is worked in separate pieces — a back, a left front, a right front, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. The cardigan is fastened with six Sirdar Elegant Buttons (code B5611-0787), giving it a polished, traditional finish. The design is available in five chest sizes, ranging from 91/97 cm (36/38 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), with actual finished measurements spanning 104 cm to 144 cm to allow for ease and a comfortable fit.

Sizing and Measurements

• Chest sizes: 91/97, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, and 132/137 cm (36/38 to 52/54 in)
• Actual finished chest: 104–144 cm (41–56¾ in)
• Full length: 65–74 cm (25½–29¼ in) depending on size
• Sleeve length: 47–49 cm (18½–19¼ in), noted as adjustable to suit individual arm length

Techniques Used

The cardigan is constructed using a range of standard knitting techniques that make it well suited to the intermediate skill level. Key techniques include:

• Thumb method cast-on — used for casting on stitches at the start of each piece, creating a firm and elastic edge
• Rib stitch (2×2 rib) — worked on the lower borders and cuffs using the smaller 5½mm needles to create a neat, stretchy band that holds its shape
• Irish moss stitch — the main body fabric, worked throughout on the larger 6½mm needles; this reversible textured stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific offset sequence to create a dense, attractive fabric with excellent drape and body
• Shaping — including increasing and decreasing for armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping, requiring the knitter to maintain the Irish moss stitch pattern while working reductions and additions
• Seaming and finishing — joining the separately knitted pieces together and attaching button bands
• Button band construction — worked as part of the front edges to create a tidy, professional finish

Stitches Used

• 2×2 Rib (k2, p2): Used on the welts and cuffs to provide elasticity and a classic tailored look. The rib is worked on the smaller needle size to keep the border firm.
• Irish Moss Stitch: The primary stitch pattern for the body and sleeves. Irish moss stitch is a four-row repeat that offsets knit and purl stitches on every row, producing a tightly woven, slightly raised texture that is distinct from standard stocking stitch or seed stitch. It is reversible, hard-wearing, and gives the garment a handsome, masculine character.
• Cast off in pattern: Stitches are cast off while maintaining the Irish moss stitch sequence, ensuring the bound-off edge remains consistent with the fabric texture.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Hayfield Bonus Chunky yarn in shade 987 (colour code F060). This is a chunky weight yarn,