Man’s Sweater and Woman’s Tunic in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 7061 - Downloadable PDF

Man's Sweater and Woman's Tunic in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool – Pattern 7061

This Hayfield pattern (reference 7061) provides instructions for two classic knitwear designs worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn: a traditional man's sweater and a longer woman's tunic. Both garments feature richly textured Aran cable panels and are sized to fit a wide range of chest and bust measurements, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern suitable for a broad audience. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, so knitters can access and print it immediately after purchase.

The Man's Sweater

The man's sweater is a full-length pullover worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 764. Finished lengths range from 60 cm (23¾ in) at the smallest size up to 73 cm (28¾ in) at the largest, with actual chest measurements spanning 91 cm (36 in) to 142 cm (56 in). The sleeve length is adjustable and ranges from approximately 46 cm (18 in) to 51 cm (20 in) depending on size. Yarn requirements are 2 to 3 balls of 400 g Hayfield Bonus Aran, making this a relatively economical project for a garment of this complexity and warmth.

The Woman's Tunic

The woman's tunic is a longer version of the same design, worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 762. Its additional length — ranging from 73 cm (28¾ in) to 86 cm (34 in) across the size range — gives it a relaxed, contemporary silhouette that works well worn over leggings or slim trousers. Despite the extra length, the tunic requires only 2 balls of 400 g Hayfield Bonus Aran across all sizes, reflecting the efficient construction of the design. The actual bust measurements and sleeve lengths mirror those of the sweater.

Cable and Stitch Patterns

Both garments are defined by their elaborate Aran cable patterning, which is central to the visual appeal of the designs. The pattern features two distinct cable panel arrangements worked across the body and sleeves:

• Centre Celtic Lattice Pattern – A 34-stitch panel measuring 13 cm (5¼ in) wide, this intricate interlocking design is the focal point of each garment. Celtic lattice is a classic Aran motif that creates the appearance of woven or plaited rope, achieved through a series of carefully sequenced cable crossings.
• Side Hourglass Cable Panel – A 24-stitch panel measuring 9 cm (3½ in) wide, positioned at either side of the central lattice to frame it and add further textural depth. The hourglass cable creates a symmetrical, waisted rope effect through alternating cable crossings.
• Stocking Stitch – Used in the background sections of the garments, providing a smooth contrast to the raised cable panels. Tension is set at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 5 mm needles.

The combination of these panels with background stocking stitch is a hallmark of traditional Aran knitting, a craft tradition originating from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Each cable motif historically carried symbolic meaning, and the layering of multiple panels in a single garment is considered a mark of skilled craftsmanship.

Techniques Used

Knitters working this pattern will use a range of intermediate to advanced Aran knitting techniques. The cable crossings are worked using a cable needle (CN), which temporarily holds stitches to the front or back of the work while others are knitted, creating the twisted rope and lattice effects. Specific cable techniques defined in the pattern include:

• C2B and C2F – Two-stitch cable crossings to the back and front respectively, used to build fine detail within the lattice.
• C6B and C6F – Six-stitch cable crossings to the back and front, creating the bold rope cables characteristic of Aran knitwear.
• T5