This pattern describes a classic, top-down raglan sweater worked in the round. It features a simple stockinette stitch body and sleeves, with k1, p1 ribbing at the cuffs, hem, and neckline. The sweater is designed with approximately 4 inches of positive ease. The yarn used is Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash®, a 100% superwash wool.
Skill Level: The pattern is rated “Easy” by the designer, but due to the top-down raglan construction, multiple needle sizes, and picking up stitches, it’s categorized here as Intermediate.
Sizes: Finished bust circumference 33, 37, 41 (45, 50, 53) [56, 63, 67] inches.
Finished Measurements:
- Width (Bust): 33, 37, 41 (45, 50, 53) [56, 63, 67] inches (with approximately 4″ positive ease)
- The length is not directly stated in the summary, but is determined in the pattern instructions for the body, measured from the underarm cast-on. Sleeve length is also customized.
Materials Used:
- Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash® (100% Superwash Wool; 100 g (3.5 oz) / 220 yds (200 m)); Color #1926 (Doeskin Heather): 5, 5, 6 (7, 7, 8) [8, 9, 10] skeins
- US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (24″ or longer circular, 16″ circular, and double pointed needles) – “largest needle”
- US 6 (4.0 mm) 24″ or longer circular, 16″ circular, and double pointed needles – “middle needle”
- US 5 (3.75 mm) 16″ circular, and double pointed needles – “smallest needle”
- Yarn needle
- 5 stitch markers
Gauge: 20 sts x 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) blocked, in stockinette stitch with the largest needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm).
Stitches Used:
- Stockinette stitch (knit in the round)
- K1, P1 Ribbing
Pattern Notes:
- Top-Down Raglan Construction: The sweater is worked seamlessly from the neck down.
- Multiple Needle Sizes: Three needle sizes are used: the largest for the main body and sleeves, the middle for the ribbing, and the smallest for a tighter finish on the ribbing and the neckline.
- Raglan Increases: Increases are worked on both sides of stitch markers to create the raglan shaping. The pattern uses a combination of kfb (knit front and back) and simple increases. The increase frequency varies throughout the yoke.
- Separating Body and Sleeves: Sleeve stitches are placed on hold, and stitches are cast on for the underarms.
- Sleeve Decreases: Decreases (k2tog, ssk) are worked on the sleeves to shape them.
- Neckband: Stitches are picked up around the neckline and worked in ribbing, then bound off.
Pattern Pieces (though worked seamlessly):
- Yoke Worked in the round with raglan shaping.
- Body Worked in the round after separating for sleeves.
- Sleeves Worked in the round from the held stitches, with shaping.
- Neckband
Finishing:
- Weave in all ends.
- Block the sweater.
Abbreviations: Standard knitting abbreviations are used (BO, CO, inc, K, k2tog, kfb, P, pm, rnd(s), RS, sm, ssk).
