How to Knit a Raglan Sweater with Straight Needles + Video
In this post, I’m sharing how to knit a Raglan Sweater with straight needles, great for beginners.
It’s a 4 pieces bottom-up construction, as follows:
We’ll start at the hem (made in 2 x 2 Ribbing stitch), then, work up to the neckline in Stockinette stitch, ending with the neckline (also knitted in 2 x 2 Ribbing stitch).
The good news is that the back and the front are the same, as the sleeves.
So you’ll knit one of them and then repeat the process for the second one.
Furthermore, there’s no need for the circular needles (not even for the neckline)… easy-peasy!
Actually, after sharing another lovely sweater pattern a couple of years ago, I realized that although it was also made using straight needles, the neckline required circulars, and some aren’t fans of the in-the-round knitting.
It’s that’s you, then this one is for you!
In addition, I’ll teach you 2 kinds of Raglan decreases:
First, the lace pattern, as shown in the images.
Second, the “holeless” pattern, in case you don’t feel too confident knitting lace 😉
Finally, this tutorial will be split into a series of videos on my YouTube channel (a new playlist), so I’ll post all of them in the same link.
And as soon as I release a new chapter, you’ll see the information here, in this same post.
In summary, only one link for the videos, and only one link for the written instructions.
Ok, today, we’ll talk about the sizes, measurements, materials, and the gauge swatch.
Materials
Long and smooth bamboo straight needles (US 6 / 4 mm + US 8 / 5 mm) #ad
Number 4, medium, or worsted weight yarn, in the following quantities:
Size XS: 550 gr. (11 balls)
Sizes S and M: 700 gr. (14 balls)
Sizes L and XL: 850 gr. (17 balls)
Size XXL: 950 gr. (19 balls)
I used a blend of wool, Alpaca, and linen yarn (for 5 mm / US 8 needles). Unfortunately, it’s discontinued.
Each ball contains 50 gr./1.8 oz and 75 m./82yds.
However, this one could be an excellent substitute #ad
Use the yarn of your preference, the main thing is to obtain the same gauge.
Gauge swatch
A 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) square knitted in Stockinette stitch, using the larger needles = 18 stitches and 24 rows.
If you are getting more stitches per cm/in, go up a needle size; if you are getting less stitches, go down a needle size.
Please note that if your gauge is different, the size of the finished sweater will be different too.
Rule of Thumb: To be successful, it’s essential to obtain the same gauge 😉
Finished Bust Circumference Measurements (after seaming)
XS: 34” (86 cm)
S: 37″ (94 cm)
M: 41″ (104 cm)
L: 44″ (112 cm)
XL: 50″ (127 cm)
XXL: 53″ (135 cm)
Total Length of the Raglan Sweater
XS: 23” (58 cm)
S: 23 1/2” (60 cm)
M: 25″ (63 cm)
L: 25 1/2“ (65 cm)
XL: 26 1/2” (67 cm)
XXL: 27″ (69 cm)
This is the playlist where you’ll find all the videos of this series
Ok, this is everything for today! Stay tuned for the next chapter, we’ll start next week!
Hugs, and happy knitting,
Carolina – So Woolly
