Sweater with Decorated Sleeves in Hayfield Bonus DK - 10266 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus DK Sweater with Decorated Sleeves – Pattern 10266

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (Hayfield pattern 10266) guides you through creating a beautifully detailed pullover sweater featuring decorative patterned sleeves. Worked in Hayfield Bonus DK yarn, this design combines classic construction with an elegant textural motif, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple stitch patterns beyond plain stocking stitch.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a pullover sweater with decorated sleeves, suitable for a wide range of adult sizes. The pattern covers six sizes, fitting chest measurements from 81 cm (32") up to 137 cm (54"), with finished widths ranging from 109 cm (43") to 160 cm (63"). Full lengths range from approximately 64 cm to 74 cm (25¼" to 29¼"), and sleeve lengths from 46 cm to 48 cm (18" to 19"), depending on size. The sweater is designed to have a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

Design Details

The standout feature of this sweater is the Flower Bud Pattern used on the sleeves, which provides a decorative textural contrast to the smooth body of the garment. This combination of a plain, classic body with ornamental sleeves gives the design a refined, feminine character without being overly complex to knit. The result is a versatile everyday sweater that has a touch of handcrafted detail.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch – The primary stitch used for the body of the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. Stocking stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric and is the foundation of classic knitwear construction.
• Flower Bud Pattern – A decorative stitch pattern applied to the sleeves, giving them their distinctive embellished appearance. This type of textural motif typically involves combinations of knit, purl, and possibly yarn-over or slip stitches to create a raised or clustered floral effect within the fabric.
• Ribbing – Commonly used in Hayfield sweater patterns at cuffs, hems, and neckbands to create neat, stretchy edges that help the garment retain its shape and fit snugly at the wrists and body openings.
• Shaping techniques – Including increases and decreases for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, and neckline construction, all standard elements of an intermediate-level sweater pattern.
• Stitch holder usage – A stitch holder is required, indicating that stitches are placed on hold at some point during construction, most likely at the neckline, which is a common technique for achieving a neat, well-finished neck opening.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential before beginning this project. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4") in Stocking Stitch using 4mm needles, and 24 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4") in Flower Bud Pattern using 4mm needles. The slightly different tension for the Flower Bud Pattern is important to note, as it affects the overall proportions of the sleeves. Always knit a tension swatch before starting and adjust needle size if necessary.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus DK, shade 614 Oyster Pink (product code F013), 100g balls. The number of balls required ranges from 5 balls for sizes S and M up to 7 balls for size XXXL.
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles for the main fabric, and one pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles for the ribbed edgings and borders.
• Notions: A stitch holder is also required to hold stitches during construction.

About Hayfield Bonus DK

Hayfield Bonus DK is a popular, widely available double knitting weight yarn known for its excellent value, consistent quality