I’m so excited to finally share a project that’s been on my to-do list for ages! This classic, simple raglan knit cardigan pattern is totally seamless (yay for no sewing!!). It’s knit entirely in stockinette stitch, with simple ribbing around the edges to make it a fairly easy first-time cardigan pattern.
If you’ve not yet heard the term ‘raglan’, it simply refers to a style of sleeve that extends in one piece fully to the collar, creating a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone (see photo below).
One of the most notable benefits of the raglan style is the sleek, seamless appearance it provides. Unlike traditional sleeves, which are often sewn in as separate pieces, raglan sleeves are integrated into the body of the cardigan. This not only looks prettier, but also contributes to a more natural, comfortable fit. And who doesn’t love comfort? Best of all, the raglan technique simplifies the construction process by eliminating the extra work of seaming.
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Yarn Choice:
I wrote this cardigan pattern for worsted/aran weight yarn, and decided to knit mine with Valley Yarns Becket Worsted Weight Yarn. I love this yarn for sweaters because the 50% alpaca content makes it extra cozy and warm, without the itchiness of 100% wool. The heathered colors are absolutely stunning as well. I found myself struggling to pick just one, but eventually settled on Fawn – after all, neutrals go with everything!
Simple Raglan Knit Cardigan – PDF File
Scroll down to see the free pattern for this Cardigan. If you’d like your own copy, the ad-free instant download PDF file can be purchased for easy printing and reading through Ravelry or by clicking the button below.
Simple Raglan Knit Cardigan – Free Pattern
Materials:
You will need the following materials to make one cardigan:
- 5–5.25–6–6.5–7.25–8–8.5 skeins (Approx. 700–740–840–910–1015–1120–1190 yards) Valley Yarns Becket worsted weight yarn in 03 Fawn.
- Size 10 (6 mm) circular knitting needles (32″ cord).
- Size 10 (6 mm) double pointed needles (optional for sleeves)
- Scissors.
- Extra cables or scrap yarn to hold stitches for sleeves.
- Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends).
Gauge:
14 stitches, 20 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch after blocking.
Sizes:
XS–S–M–L–XL–2X–3X.
Abbreviations & Special Stitches:
K: Knit.
P: Purl.
St: Stitch.
PM: Place a new stitch marker on your needle.
SM: Slip the stitch marker (move the marker from one needle to the other).
M1L: Make one left increase stitch.
M1R: Make one right increase stitch.
K2Tog: Knit two stitches together decrease stitch.
Stockinette Stitch: A two row repeat, where you knit the first row and purl the second row.
Rib Stitch: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row.
2X2 Rib Stitch: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of row.
More Free Knitting Patterns from Leelee Knits!
Notes:
This cardigan is knit from the top down in one piece using circular knitting needles to hold the large number of stitches. Once body of the cardigan has been knit, the sleeves are worked in the round (you can use double pointed needles, or circular needles applying the magic loop method.
Pattern:
Cast on 40–42–48–50–60–62–72 sts.
Setup Row (Wrong Side):
P1–1–3–3–5–5–7, pm, p3, pm, p4–4–4–4–6–6–8, pm, p3, pm, p18–20–22–24–26–28–30, pm, p3, pm, p4–4–4–4–6–6–8, pm, p3, pm, p1–1–3–3–5–5–7. Continue to Yoke.
Yoke:
Row 1: *K to marker, m1r, sm, k3, sm, m1l; repeat from * to after last marker; k remaining sts.
Row 2: *P to marker, sm, p3, sm; repeat from * until last marker, p remaining sts.
Repeat the above 2 rows until you have the following count, ending in a repeat of row 2 (^ represents stitch marker):
20–21–23–24–26–27–29 ^ 3 ^ 42–44–44–46–48–50–52 ^ 3 ^ 56–60–62–66–68–72–74 ^ 3 ^ 42–44–44–46–48–50–52 ^ 3 ^ 20–21–23–24–26–27–29 = 192–202–208–218–228–238–248 total sts. Continue to Body
Body:
Remove stitch markers as you work the following row:
K23–24–26–27–29–30–32, move 42–44–44–46–48–50–52 to holder/scrap yarn, cast on 4–3–4–3–4–3–4, k62–66–68–72–74–78–80, move 42–44–44–46–48–50–52 to holder/scrap yarn, cast on 4–3–4–3–4–3–4, k23–24–26–27–29–30–32 (116–120–128–132–140–144–152 total).
Purl the next row.
Continue to work in stockinette stitch until the length measures 20–20.5–21–21.5–22–22.5–23 inches from top to bottom.
Work 8 rows in 2X2 Rib Stitch, and then cast off in pattern. Continue to Sleeves.
Sleeves:
For each sleeve:
Transfer the 42–44–44–46–48–50–52 sleeve stitches from the scrap yarn onto circular or double pointed needles. Pick up 4 stitches under the arm to close the gap (place a marker in the middle to mark beginning of the round). Total sts = 46–48–48–50–52–54–56.
Work in the round in stockinette stitch for 10 rounds (or 2 inches), and then decrease 2 sts evenly on the next round.
To decrease evenly by two sts, divide the number of sts by 2 and then subtract 2 from that number. That is the number of sts to knit before you make each K2Tog decrease.
Eg: For size XS, 46/2 -2 = 21 -> K21, K2Tog, K21, K2tog.
Continue to work in stockinette stitch, decreasing by 2 stitches after every 10 rounds (or 2 inches) until 36–40–40–44–44–44–44 sts remain. This is the final number of stitches for the sleeve. Keep working in stockinette stitch until sleeve measures 26–26–26.5–26.5–27–27–27.5 inches from neckline down. Work 8 rounds in 2X2 Rib Stitch for cuff and then cast off in pattern. Once both sleeves have been knit, Continue to Collar/Band.
Collar/Band:
With the front of the cardigan facing you, pick up one stitch per row all the way around the front of the cardigan. I made a quick YouTube short demonstrating how to pick up the stitches, shared below.
Work 8 rows in 1X1 Rib stitch, and then cast off in pattern. Continue to Finishing.
Finishing:
Secure/weave in loose ends and wet or steam block to measurements.
Finishing:
Cast off in pattern and weave in all loose ends.
Wet or steam block so that cardigan lays flat.
I hope you enjoyed this free Simple Raglan Cardigan Pattern.
If you’d like your own copy, the Ad-Free PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically) can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the button below.
