First Raglan Sweater

This pattern is available to download from Ravelry.

by Jared Flood

We purposefully created this raglan pullover as a friendly introduction to garment knitting. Knitting that first sweater can feel intimidating, but this design will walk you through each step with helpful tips and tutorials along the way.

This approachable sweater is worked in the round, with no seams or assembly required. And even better, its top-down construction means you can try it on as you go to ensure it fits just right. The downloadable companion offers even more options to enrich your sweater shape, like a slimmer sleeve and body shaping to suit your preferred style. Mix and match design elements and find your stride in sweater knitting.

Construction

• This pullover is worked from the top down. Knitting begins with the ribbed neckband, followed by a set of short rows worked flat across the back neck to improve neckline fit. The raglan shoulder shaping begins during the short rows and continues throughout the yoke (the upper body). After completion of the yoke, stitches are separated for body and sleeves; each section is worked circularly.

Finished Dimensions

Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10, 11)

• 35½ (39½, 43½, 47½) (51½, 55½, 59½) (63½, 67½, 71½, 75½) inches [90 (100.5, 110.5, 120.5) (131, 141, 151) (161.5, 171.5, 181.5, 192) cm] circumference at chest
• To fit approximate chest sizes: 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44) (46-48, 50-52, 54-56) (58-60, 62-64, 66-68, 70-72) inches [76-81.5 (86.5-91.5, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-112) (117-122, 127-132, 137-142) (147.5-152.5, 157.5-162.5, 167.5-172.5, 178-183) cm]
• Model is 5’10”/178 cm tall and is wearing sample in color Baseline Overtone with straight body and bloused sleeves in Size 2 with 8”/20.5 cm positive ease.
• Striped sample is in colors Vacay Overtone and Baseline Undertone with straight body and tapered sleeves, modeled with 15½“/39.5 cm positive ease.

Need help picking a size? See our resource page on Selecting a Sweater Size

Yarn

Brooklyn Tweed Tones – 100% American Columbia Wool (140 yards/128 meters per 50 grams)

• 7 (8, 8, 9) (10, 10, 11) (12, 13, 14, 14) skeins
• Photographed in colors Baseline Overtone, Wallflower Overtone, Stonewash Overtone, and Vacay Overtone/Baseline Undertone

Yardage

• Approximately 930 (995, 1110, 1210) (1315, 1380, 1515) (1625, 1740, 1855, 1945) yards [850 (910, 1015, 1106) (1202, 1262, 1385) (1486, 1591, 1696, 1779) meters] for project
• Note: Yardage listed is the estimated maximum amount needed per size for the core pattern garment variation with a straight torso and bloused sleeves. Exact yardage may vary according to chosen shape and/or color variations.

Gauge

• 20 stitches & 28 rounds per 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch, after wet blocking

Needles

16”/40 cm and 32”/80 cm circular needles (for Main Fabric)
* Suggested size US 7 (4.5 mm)

16”/40 cm and 32”/80 cm circular needles (for Ribbing)

• 2-3 sizes smaller than main needle
• Suggested size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Double pointed needles (DPNs)

• for all sizes: in same size as ribbing needle
• for sizes 1 & 2 only: also in same size as main needle

Tutorials for all special techniques listed below are included in the pattern:

Selecting a Sweater Size
Casting