How to Knit a Raglan Sleeve Step-by-Step Plus Free Patterns
Ready to learn how to knit a raglan sleeve step by step? Start below then head over to my free sweater pattern page for more free sweaters!
How to knit a raglan sleeve step by step
A raglan sweater is worked by increasing along four diagonal lines from the neckline downward, letting the yoke expand evenly while you knit the body and sleeves in one piece.
What does top-down raglan knitting actually mean?
Top-down raglan knitting means I start at the neckline and work downward, increasing at the raglan lines to shape the yoke before separating the sleeves and body.
When I first learned how to knit a raglan sleeve step by step, I remember marveling at how simple the process really was. It looks technical on paper, but once you get the rhythm, it feels like the sweater is practically telling you what to do next. Below is the quick, friendly version I walk newer knitters through all the time.
How do you knit a top-down raglan sweater in the round?
A top-down raglan in the round uses four increase points placed evenly around the yoke.
Here’s the short version of my usual raglan sweater pep talk — the one I wish someone had given me years ago.
1. Cast on and join in the round
You’ll cast on using a stretchy method because the neckline needs to move with the sweater.
I always recommend Tillybuddy’s Very Stretchy Cast On (tutorial here). It has so much stretch, perfect for necks.
2. Work the neckline
You can choose ribbing, a rolled edge, or a fold-over collar. Ribbing gives the most mileage for everyday wear.
3. Begin your increases
At every raglan marker ( your pattern will tell you where to place your markers), you’ll increase on each side using m1L and m1R.
These increases lean left and right, helping shape the sweater cleanly. You can find a tutorial for these increases here.
4. Keep knitting until it fits
This is the part that feels like magic, but it’s really just trying it on as you go. Keep working your chosen stitch pattern and raglan increases until the sleeves reach your complete underarm measurement. Typically your pattern will tell you how many increases you will need and how far apart to place them.
5. Separate the sleeves
When you’re ready, slip those sleeve stitches onto waste yarn or a stitch holder. Now keep knitting the body in the round. This is usually when the sweater starts looking like an actual sweater.
6. Knit the body
The body is just mind-off knitting. TV knitting. Carpool knitting. This is where the sweater grows quickly.
7. Finish the sleeves
Pick the sleeve stitches back up one sleeve at a time. Work your decreases -usually k2tog (tutorial here) and ssk (tutorial here) until the sleeve fits, then work your cuff.
8. Bind off
I always finish with a stretchy ribbed bind-off.
If you aren’t sure how to do that, I have a tutorial for how to bind off knitwise (here) and how to bind off purlwise (here).
Once you’ve done this once, you’ll never forget it. Sweaters suddenly go from intimidating to relaxing — like a giant sock with armholes.
And now that the basics of how to knit a raglan sleeve step by step are clear, here are some of my favorite patterns on my blog that use this exact construction.
Which raglan sweater patterns should you try first?
These patterns are my most-loved top-down raglan designs, and every single one has its own personality.
Granite Sweater — what makes it such a great first raglan?
The Granite Sweater is ideal because it teaches texture without overwhelming you.
This pattern comes in baby, youth, and adult men’s sizes, all built around simple top-down raglan shaping. The all-over bumpy texture is created using the k1b stitch, and there’s a full tutorial for that stitch right inside the pattern so you never feel stuck.
I knit my last Granite Sweater using Berroco Ultra Alpaca (affiliate link), and it gave the fabric such a warm, plush feel without being heavy. If you’re wanting to experience how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step while also playing with texture, Granite is a fantastic place to start.
Baby Granite Sweater Free Pattern
Men’s Granite Sweater Free Pattern
Youth Granite Sweater Free Pattern
Why is the Wisdom Pullover perfect for turtleneck lovers?
The Wisdom Pullover is an easygoing top-down raglan with a turtleneck and a diamond-textured stitch.
I worked mine with Premier Yarns Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link), and it created this soft, structured fabric that holds the shape of the diamonds so nicely. This one comes in a cropped length, which makes it fun for layering or pairing with high-waisted jeans or skirts.
If you want to explore a little more stitch work while still learning how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step, this one feels like a next-level project without being overwhelming.
And if you love sweaters with texture, try pairing this one with the tutorials in my Beginner Knitting Series — especially the one about fixing dropped stitches. That one has saved me during more than one late-night knitting session.
What’s special about the September Cardigan?
The September Cardigan is a top-down open-front raglan cardigan available in youth and adult ladies’ sizes.
It’s knit using Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday (affiliate link), which gives the cardigan excellent durability and makes it perfect for daily wear. If your kids (or you) wear sweaters nonstop, anti-pilling yarn is a lifesaver.
This is a great pick if you want to practice how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step but prefer cardigans over pullovers. It uses the same concepts — join at the neckline, increase at the raglans, separate sleeves — but finishes as an open front you can wear year-round.
Ladies September Cardigan Free Pattern
Youth September Cardigan Free Pattern
Why do knitters love the Rosemary Cardigan?
The Rosemary Cardigan is a long-line raglan cardigan that comes with pockets and extra room for layering.
I knit mine in KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link), and it has such a beautiful drape. It’s available in both youth and adult ladies’ sizes, and the construction is incredibly intuitive. This pattern is a favorite among readers who love long cardigans for fall or church or simply want a sweater that feels elevated but still everyday-friendly.
Ladies Rosemary Cardigan Free Pattern
Youth Rosemary Cardigan Free Pattern
What makes the Youth Turtleneck Pullover a great kid-friendly raglan?
The Youth Turtleneck Pullover is a simple, classic raglan knit from the top down.
It uses KnitPicks Provincial Tweed (affiliate link), which adds tiny pops of tweed texture without any extra work. Kids adore this one because it’s soft, warm, and has that timeless turtleneck look.
If you’re teaching your child how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step, or if you simply want something quick and simple for fall, this one is perfect.
Turtleneck Pullover Free Pattern
How does the Noah Sweater use raglan construction with stripes?
The Noah Sweater is where raglan sleeves meet color fun.
This youth design features helical stripes in the colors of the rainbow, worked in KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link). Helical knitting means no jogs — just a clean spiral of color that looks incredible on a top-down raglan yoke.
If you’ve ever wanted to play with stripes while learning how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step, this pattern is such a cheerful option. I still smile every time I look at it.
Why is the Michael Sweater such a tried-and-true raglan?
The Michael Sweater is another top-down raglan available in baby and youth sizes (ladies’ sizes are coming soon!).
This design features a wide rib stitch that keeps the sweater stretchy and comfortable. I knit it using KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link), and the stitch definition was chef’s kiss. If you want a truly classic raglan that you can dress up or down, this one is a staple.
Baby Michael Sweater Free Pattern
Youth Michael Sweater Free Pattern
What makes the Fern Sweater so unique?
The Fern Sweater is a cropped youth raglan with the prettiest lace raglan increases.
It’s worked in KnitPicks CotLin (affiliate link), giving it a light, breathable texture that’s perfect for spring and summer. The lace increases make it an excellent next step once you understand the basics of how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step and want something a little more decorative.
This one gets so many compliments on social media every single time I post it.
Raglan FAQ
How do I know my raglan yoke is long enough?
Try it on! That’s the beauty of top-down. Your yoke is ready when the sleeve stitches comfortably reach your underarms.
Can beginners really knit a raglan sweater?
Absolutely. Raglans are the most forgiving sweater construction. If you can knit, purl, increase, and decrease, you can knit this.
What tools do I need to knit a raglan sweater?
You’ll want:
- Circular needles
- Stitch markers
- Waste yarn
- Yarn needle
- Crochet hook (optional but helpful)
If you need yarn recommendations, scroll back up — I listed several beautiful yarn options throughout this post.
Why knit top-down instead of bottom-up?
Top-down makes it easy to try on as you go, adjust length, and keep momentum because you see the sweater form instantly.
What’s the best yarn for a raglan sweater?
Anything soft with good stitch definition works well. Wool blends, bamboo blends, and anti-pilling fibers are great options depending on the pattern.
Final thoughts + your next knitting step
Now you’ve got a complete guide for how to knit a raglan sleeve step by step — from the quick overview to the full raglan list. If one of the sweaters above caught your eye, head straight to my Free Sweater Pattern Page and start your next cast-on. I’d love to hear what you’re starting next!
Tell me in the comments: which raglan sweater are you casting on first?
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The post How to Knit a Raglan Sleeve Step-by-Step Plus Free Patterns appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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