Chunky Raglan Sweater
By Vera Grazia / knittingfae
Pattern Overview
I believe that everybody can knit. I also believe that a sweater can be the
very first thing you make, and I want to show you how! I’m a big believer
that knitting is easy — it’s just a combination of stitches used to create a
desired look. This pattern is made to measure, with very few specifics.
About the Construction:
This chunky raglan sweater is knit seamlessly in the round. You’ll begin
with the neckband, working it for as long as you’d like. From there, you’ll
start increasing every other row to build out the body. It’s important to
try on your sweater as you go to ensure a good fit. Once the yoke has
reached a comfortable length and width, you’ll place the sleeve stitches
on hold and continue knitting the body in the round until it’s your
desired length. After that, you’ll return to the sleeves: place the stitches
back on your needles, pick up stitches at the underarm, and knit in the
round. You can choose to add decreases for shaping, or simply knit
straight until your sleeves reach the perfect length. And that’s it, you’re
done!
Quick details about the sweater:
Gauge: 12 sts per 4 in / 10 cm
Needle sizes: 8 mm / US 11 and 6.5 mm / US 10.5
Sizes: S/M (L/XL+)
*this sweater is made to measure
Skill Level: 1/5 difficulty
Neckband
Cast on 60 (72) stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
Knit 2 rounds in stockinette.
Begin k1, p1 ribbing and continue until your neckband reaches the length
you prefer:
Crew neck: 5 rows of ribbing
Mock neck: 10 rows of ribbing
Turtleneck: 13+ rows of ribbing
Your neckband is now complete.
Body
We’re going to start shaping your raglan by adding increases. First, place
4 stitch markers to mark where your increases will go.
Row 1:
Knit 15 (18), place a marker, k1, place a marker, knit 28 (34), place a
marker, k1, place a marker, knit 15 (18).
You now have stitch markers in place to guide your increases.
Row 2 (Increase Row):
1. Knit to 1 stitch before the first marker, M1R, k1, slip marker, M1L.
2. Knit to the next marker, M1R, slip marker, k1, M1L.
3. Knit to the next marker, M1R, k1, slip marker, M1L.
4. Knit to the next marker, M1R, slip marker, k1, M1L.
5. Knit to the beginning-of-round marker.
Row 3:
Knit all stitches.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your sweater reaches your desired fit.
Note: For reference, I made a size S/M and worked 21 increase rows to
achieve my fit.
Once your body is at a width you like, it’s time to put the sleeves on hold.
1. Knit to your first stitch marker and remove it.
2. Using scrap yarn or barber cord, place all stitches between the first
and second markers on hold. Remove the next marker.
3. Using the backwards loop cast-on, cast on 5 stitches onto your right
needle.
4. Knit to the next marker and remove it. Place all stitches between this
marker and the next marker on hold using scrap yarn or a cord.
Remove the marker.
5. Using the backwards loop cast-on, cast on 5 stitches onto your right
needle.
6. Knit back to the beginning-of-round marker.
Your sleeves are now on hold, and you will continue knitting the body in
the round. No more increases are needed. Knit until the body reaches
your desired length.
Ribbed Hem
1. Switch to 6.5 mm needles.
2. Work ribbing: k1, p1 around. I recommend knitting 8 rounds, or
however many rounds suit your preference.
3. Optional: Knit 2 rounds of stockinette before binding off for a cleaner
edge.
4. Bind off all stitches.
Sleeves:
1. With 8 mm needles, slide all the stitches you put on hold for the
sleeve onto your needles. Pick up and knit 5 stitches at the underarm
2. Knit the Sleeve
Knit until the sleeve reaches your desired length.
Optional Shaping:
For a slightly tapered sleeve, decrease every 7th row as follows:
k1, k2tog, knit until 3 stitches before the stitch marker, k2tog, k1.
Ribbed Cuff
1. Switch to 6.5 mm needles.
2. Work ribbing: k1, p1 around. I recommend 8 rounds, or however
many rounds suit your preference.
3. Optional: Knit 2 rounds of stockinette before binding off for a
smoother edge.
4. Bind off all stitches.
Repeat:
Work the second sleeve exactly the same way.
Finishing
Weave in all ends and block your sweater to shape.
Congratulations! Your chunky raglan sweater is complete!
Make sure to tag me @knittingfae if you share your finished piece. I’d
love to see your work!
