A top down raglan sweater lets you assess the yoke before dividing for sleeves. These eight designer patterns use distinct stitches, size ranges, and finishing methods.
Raglan sizing is unforgiving, so swatch first. Beyond that, stitch markers to track your yoke increases and a comfortable hook are the real essentials.
Raglan sweater patterns to explore
1. Simple Crochet Raglan Sweater
This is the Cobblestone Raglan by Jess Coppom, worked from the top down so you can try it on and check progress as you go. It uses a size L (8.0 mm) hook or whatever gets your gauge, and the page walks through the yoke, back extension, armholes, body, sleeves and neckline in order. There is a video tutorial, and a gauge check is the first thing she asks you to do.
2. Easy Crochet Raglan Sweater
Michelle Moore describes the Athabasca Falls pullover as a breeze: a seamless top-down raglan in simple double crochet, a fantastic introduction to making your own garment. The page gives the yarn, hook and materials, the written pattern, photos and a video tutorial.
3. Cory Raglan Sweater
Hooked Hazel says raglan sweaters seem intimidating but are easy. The Cory is worked top down in worsted weight on a J/6 mm hook, and a raglan increases at four points, which creates a front, back and two sleeves. Because you can try it on as you go, you can adjust by adding increases or rounds. It is easily customizable, and she made it for beginners.
4. Chestnut Raglan Top Down Sweater
The Chestnut is sized from XS to 2XL, and the designer calls it a good first garment. The page helps you choose yarn, swatch and find your size, with tips for a custom fit, and her testers loved it. A printable ad-free PDF is on Etsy, Ravelry and her store.
5. Puffin Pullover
Abigail designed the Puffin Pullover because she loves puffins and wanted a fun raglan, and bobbles were the answer. Note that the free pattern on the page is the size Medium, and other sizes are in the paid version, and a kit with the pattern and yarn is sold.
6. Top Down Raglan Cardigan
Janne Kleivset’s cardigan is a follow-up to her Classic Raglan Cardigan, and she wanted one that is easy to make but also good for everyday. It is written in sizes XS to 5XL, is skill level easy, and uses yarn weight 4 (medium).
7. Top Down Crochet Sweater
This is a seamless top-down sweater in Lion Brand Superwash Merino (a light, weight 3 yarn) in four colors, on a J (6.0 mm) hook, with about 424 to 506 yards of the main color. Ashlee says to use a yarn with good stretch, and if your yarn is stiff, size up so you have more positive ease.
8. Rainier Sweater
Ashleigh’s Rainier at Sewrella was inspired by a trip to Seattle. It is a roomy, slightly oversized sweater, with extra length to cover the hip or to wear bunched up at the waist, and an open neckline. It works collar first, then the raglan yoke in turned rows, with ribbing.
