I absolutely love this Raglan Sweater with stripes on the raglan sleeves. Scroll down to get this free sweater knitting pattern for the sizes: 30, 36, 40, 44, 48 & 56″ chest measurements. The raglan pullover is a unisex pattern that’s suitable for both men and women.
What is Raglan Sweater?
A Sweater is either a pullover or a cardigan. A pullover is a jumper that doesn’t have buttons on the front, and they are ‘pulled over’ your head when putting on. As its name implies, a raglan pullover is a sweater with a Raglan Sleeve construction. We are using “pullover” and “sweater” interchangeably in this pattern, they actually mean the same thing.
What is A Raglan Sleeve?
A Raglan Sleeve is a sleeve that extends from the shoulder, creating a diagonal seam that runs from the neckline to the underarm. It is named after Lord Fitzroy Somerset, the 1st Baron Raglan, who is said to have worn a coat with this sleeve style after losing his arm in the Battle of Waterloo [1].
What is the purpose of raglan sleeves?
A Raglan gives easier movement compared to a set-in sleeve. It creates a wider underarm area, especially convenient for over-garments such as sweaters or jackets, as it allows additional space for other layers underneath.
There are other reasons why people choose a raglan sleeve vs set-in sleeve. A top with a raglan sleeve gives a relaxed, sporty, and casual looking. You will notice that most tops with raglan sleeves use a contrasting color to show a color-blocking design, further enhancing the sporty look. It is also a great sleeve pattern that downplays the broad shoulders because they soften sharp edges.
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Raglan Pullover Knitting Pattern
scroll ⬇️ to get the free knitting pattern & tutorial
You will find this pattern relatively easier if you have seen the shawl collar sweater I knit for my husband. It is indeed an easy raglan sweater knitting pattern.
All you need is a basic garment knitting experience. This knit sweater pattern uses only Stockinette Stitch, and it is a great knitting project for you.
I shared this pullover pattern on Ravelry, head over to see their projects photos and how they adapt the basic raglan sweater pattern into different designs.
This pattern consists of knitting patterns of four parts: the Back, the Front, and the two Sleeves. The knitting begins from the bottom and works upward. After completing the pieces, block them to the size given in the diagram. To complete the raglan sweater, sew the pieces together and knit the collar.
Knitting Materials & Supplies
∙ Yarns
As mentioned above, most raglan sweater patterns have a contrasting color design to show the diagonal seam of the raglan sleeve. Over here, our raglan sweater uses yarn colors of seaspray blue and chestnut red to knit.
The yarn we used is 4-ply worsted weight yarn Lion Brand Wool-Ease. The total amount of yarn needed is 6 to 7 balls, depending on which size you are knitting it for. The yarn is 80% acrylic and 20% wool, and each 85g ball has approx. 197 yards/180m length of yarn.
The tension gauge of this sweater pattern is 18 sts x 24 rows (4″/10cm) using U.S. 8 (5mm) needles stockinette stitch pattern. Please take time to make a gauge swatch to check your tension before beginning the actual knitting.
Always wash and block your swatch before measuring to ensure the final size is correct. Use larger or smaller needles if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Lastly, if needed, up or down a size to meet the size if you are using different yarn and can’t meet the tension gauge; this will need a little knitting experience.
∙ Tools
We are using circular knitting needles of 36″ U.S. 7 (4.5 mm), 36″ U.S. 8 (5 mm), and 8″ U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) are used in this pattern. The long circular needles are for knitting the back, the front, and the sleeve pieces, while the shorter circular needle is used on the collar finishing.
Keeping track of rows in knitting is very important as we don’t want to end up producing a different length of pieces. There are many ways to keep track of the numbers; the easiest way is to use stitch markers. Mark the row with a stitch marker on every 10th row, 20th row, or 50th row will make the counting easier.
At the end of the knitting, we need a tapestry needle to sew up the pieces and also to bind off the ribbing stitches at the collar. Another item you might need in this pattern is a body-size bath towel used during the blocking; read more on how to block your knitting.
Besides creating a colorwork design on the raglan sleeve, I spiced up a little by adding stripe patterns on both the shoulders, arms, and part of the body. I love how the effect of the stripes has turned out, the dotted line has turned into rows of adorable mini hearts.
Enjoy every moment of the togetherness with the yarn and needle. Happy Knitting!
What’s Next
- Start knitting and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us, @craftpassion, so that we are able to see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for future To-Knit List
- Share with your knitting groups for a knit-along event.
- Browse more free knitting patterns to make, particularly the easy knit beanie hat that uses the same yarn so that you can knit a set of them.
Raglan Pullover Knitting Pattern
Another free pullover knitting pattern to share with you all. This time is it a Raglan Pullover Sweater with stripes on the shoulder which is a unisex design that suits men and women.
To Fit Chest / Bust: 30, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 56 inch
Actual Measurement: 37, 40, 44, 49, 55 and 63 inch
Perfect for the cold wintertime.
Enjoy knitting them!
Download and print separately: Dimension diagram (in pdf)
Materials
- Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease 80% acrylic, 20% wool (approx. 197 yards/180m per 85g ball) - Yarn A Color: Seaspray, Balls needed: 5 (5; 5; 6; 6; 6) balls
- Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease 80% acrylic, 20% wool (approx. 197 yards/180m per 85g ball) - Yarn B Color: Chestnut Heather, Balls needed: 1 ball
Tools
- Needles: 36" Circular needle U.S. 7 (4.5mm) and U.S. 8 (5mm)
- Needles: 8" Circular needle U.S. 7 (4.5mm)
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
Size: (Figures in square brackets refer to larger sizes)
To Fit Chest / Bust: 30 [36; 40; 44; 48; 56] inch / 76 [91.5; 101.5; 111.5; 122; 142] cm
Actual Measurement: 37 [40; 44; 49; 55; 63] inch / 94 [103; 113; 124.5; 140; 160] cm
Length From Shoulder: 24.5 [25; 25; 25.5; 26; 26.5] inch / 62 [63.5; 63.5; 65; 66; 67.5] cm
Sleeve Seam: 18 inch / 46 cm
Tension Gauge:
Stockinette Stitch: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" (10cm) using U.S. 8 (5mm) needles.
Take time to make a gauge swatch to check your tension. Wash and block your swatch before measuring. Use larger or smaller needles if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Instruction:
The instructions are written for the smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger size(s) the instructions will be written thus [ ]. Numbers for each size are shown in the same order throughout the pattern. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Abbreviations:
alt = Alternate(ing)
beg = Beginning
cont = Continue
dec = Decrease(ing)
foll = Following
k = Knit
inc = Increase(ing)
mp = make 1 purl-wise
P = Purl
patt = Pattern
P2tog = Purl next 2 stitches together
P2tog tbl = Purl next 2 stitches together through back loops, watch video on the how-to
rem = Remaining
rep = Repeat
RS = Right Side
ssk = Slip next 2 stitches knitwise one at a time. Pass them back onto left-hand needle, then knit through back loops together.
sl = slip
st(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong Side
BACK
Using U.S. 7 (4.5mm) needles and yarn A, 2×2 tubular cast on 82 [90; 98; 106; 118; 130] sts. (Watch video on how to do 2×2 tubular cast-on)
Row 1 (RS): k2, (p2,k2) to end.
Row 2: p2, (k2, p2) to end.
Rep these 2 rows of 2×2 rib for 2.25″ (6cm), ending after Row 1. (about 15 rows excluding the formation rows of 2×2 tubular cast-on)
Next Row: p13 [15; 16; 9; 8; 5], *mp, p28 [30; 33; 22; 17; 10], rep from * to last 13 [15; 16; 9; 8; 5] sts, mp, p to end. 85 [93; 101; 111; 125; 143] sts.
Change to U.S.8 (5mm) needles and proceed in stockinette st with alternate yarn A (1 st) and B (1 st) for 1 row on the 7th row then on every 9th row, until work from beg measures approx 16″ / 40.5cm, ending after a purl row (80 rows of stockinette st has been worked).
Shape Raglan
Continue with yarn A only. Bind off loosely 2 [2; 3; 3; 4; 4] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 81 [89; 95; 105; 117; 135] sts rem.
1st row (RS): k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
2nd row: p2, p2tog, purl to last 4 sts, p2togtbl, p2.
Work these 2 rows 0 [0; 0; 0; 4; 14] times. 81 [89; 95; 105; 101; 79] sts rem.
Next row: as 1st row
Next row: as 2nd row
Next row: as 1st row
Next row: purl to end
Work these 4 rows 0 [2; 2; 6; 5; 4] times. 81 [77; 83; 69; 71; 55] sts rem.**
Next row: as 1st row
Next row: purl to end
Work these 2 rows 24 [22; 24; 17; 17; 9] times. 33[33; 35; 35; 37; 37] sts rem.
Bind off loosely.
FRONT
Work as of BACK to **.
1st row (RS): k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
2nd row: purl to end
Work these 2 rows 15 [13; 15; 8; 8; 0] times. 51[53; 53; 53; 55; 55] sts rem.
Shape Neck
Next row (RS): k2, ssk, k10, k2tog (neck edge). Turn. Leave rem sts on a spare needle.
Next row: purl to end.
Dec 1 st at the raglan edge (as before) and dec 1 st at neck edge on next and alt rows until there are 4 sts rem.
Next row (WS): purl to end
Next row: ssk, k2tog
Next row: p2
Next row: ssk. Fasten off.
With RS facing, join yarn to rem sts, bind off 19 [21; 21; 21; 23; 23] sts. ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Next row: purl to end.
Dec 1 st at neck edge and dec 1 st at the raglan edge (as before) on next and alt rows until there are 4 sts rem.
Next row (WS): purl to end
Next row: ssk, k2tog
Next row: p2
Next row: k2tog. Fasten off.
SLEEVES (knit 2)
Using U.S. 7 (4.5mm) needles, 2×2 tubular cast on 38 [38; 42; 42; 46; 46] sts.
Work in 2×2 rib as on BACK for 2.125″ (5.5 cm), ending after Row 1. (about 13 rows excluding the formation rows of 2×2 tubular cast-on)
Next Row: p4 [4; 3; 3; 5; 5], *mp, p5 [5; 6; 6; 6; 6], rep from * to last 4 [4; 3; 3; 5; 5], mp, p to end. 45 [45; 49; 49; 53; 53] sts rem.
Change to U.S.8 (5mm) needles and proceed in stockinette st. Work 12 rows.
Inc 1 st at beg and end of next row and following 6th [4th; 4th; 4th; 4th; 4th] rows until there are 67 [59; 63; 81; 83; 85] sts.
Inc 1 st at beg and end of next row and following 0 [6th; 6th; 0; 0; 0] rows until there are 67 [73; 77; 81; 83; 85] sts.
Cont until work from beg measure 15.5″ (92 rows) after the ribbing.
Shape Raglan
Stripe patt (worked in stockinette stitch):
With Yarn B, work 4 rows
With Yarn A, work 2 rows
Begin Strip patt. Bind off loosely 2 [2; 3; 3; 4; 4] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 63 [69; 71; 75; 75; 77] sts rem.
1st row (RS): k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
2nd row: p2, p2tog, purl to last 4 sts, p2togtbl, p2.
3rd row: as 1st row
4th row: purl to end
Work these 4 rows 3 [4; 3; 3; 1; 2] times. 45 [45; 53; 57; 69; 65] sts rem.
Next row: as 1st row
Next row: purl to end
Work these 2 rows 18 [18; 22; 23; 29; 27] times. Bind off loosely rem 9 [9; 9; 11; 11; 11] sts.
BLOCKING
Block each piece of work as soon as it is done and before joining up.
Diagram (Click Picture for a larger chart, open in new tab. Or, download pdf version here.)
Neckband
Join raglan seams.
With RS work facing you and using U.S. 7 (4.5mm) shorter needles, pick up 7 [7; 7; 9; 9; 9] sts from left sleeve. Pick up 15 sts down left front neck edge. Pick up 19 [21; 21; 21; 23; 23] from front neck edge. Pick up 15 sts up right front neck edge. Pick up 7 [7; 7; 9; 9; 9] sts from right sleeve. Pick up 31 [31; 33; 33; 35; 35] sts from back. 92 [96; 96; 108; 104;104] sts rem. Place stitch marker.
Work 9 rows of 2×2 ribbing in a round. Bind off in ribbing.
TO FINISH OFF
Join side and Sleeve seams.
MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO KNIT
RAGLAN PULLOVER
- For the yarn, I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease (details as shown in the materials list above) but you can use a similar yarn which you can obtain the same tension gauge.
Though the main needles are written as 36" circular needles, they can be replaced by straight needles to replace the long circular needle (except 8″ circular needle). Circular needles are recommended because they are lighter and more flexible, great for knitting bigger project like sweater and pullover. - This is the back piece of the raglan pullover which has been blocked and adjusted to the corresponding size.
- Similarly, the front piece which is also blocked to size.
- Lastly, these are the 2 blocked sleeves with stripe pattern at the raglan section.
- The picture shows the seam of the raglan after the front and the sleeve is sewn up. If you are new to joining a raglan sleeve, this video will be helpful. Please take note: because this pattern has 2 knit stitches before/after the ssk/k2tog on the raglan slope, hence the raglan seam appeared to be 4 diagonal lines after seaming up, whilst the video only has 2 diagonal lines, but the method is the same.
- After that, pick up stitches along the neckline in preparation to knit 2×2 ribbing for the neckband.
- Finally, sew up the sleeve seams and side seams with mattress seam to complete the raglan pullover.
Notes
Yarn amounts given are based on average requirements and are approximated.
Get the full article at https://www.craftpassion.com/raglan-pullover-knitting-pattern/
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Nolan Bellavance
Monday 14th of December 2020
hi - I am working on this and i'm confused about some of the sizing in brackets. where it says p13[15;16;9;20;13] - why are the middle and last sizes smaller than the preceding size? I see this in a lot of the instructions - thanks!
Craft Passion
Monday 14th of December 2020
It is a typo, we have got it corrected. Didn't know that the typo has been there for so many years and no one pointed it out. Thank you so much for highlight it to us.
Margot
Friday 17th of July 2020
Can I knit this jumper on straight needles instead of circular needles??? Im a novice knitter and just want a simple knit. thanks Margot
Craft Passion
Wednesday 22nd of July 2020
Yes, you may use straight needles for the pieces. Either you use circular needles or 3 double-point needles for the collar.
Winnie
Tuesday 18th of February 2020
Dear Joanne, This is a great pattern. I love it so far. Could you please explain to me what you meant by 'blocking' when you finish each piece. Did you mean ironing it? and make it flat? Thanks
Craft Passion
Wednesday 19th of February 2020
Hi Winnie, Yes, you are right, you can either dampen the piece with water then laying it flat to block or iron it with steam, depending on the yarn. For wool, I usually go for wet blocking. Just dampen the piece then place it on a towel, adjust the shape and leave it to dry.
Jacqui Grier
Friday 1st of March 2019
Is this great classic style pattern suitable for men?
Craft Passion
Saturday 2nd of March 2019
Yes, it is a unisex pattern :)
Bethany
Friday 14th of December 2018
Hello, I am unable to find 8” circular needles in this size. Can I use 9” for this pattern?
Craft Passion
Friday 14th of December 2018
Yes, you may use 9" as long as it fits into the size of the neckband. Happy knitting.