Free Raglan Sweater Knitting Pattern: Ladies Michael Sweater
Looking for a free raglan sweater knitting pattern? Find it here below and browse all my free sweater patterns on the free sweater knitting pattern page.
A free raglan sweater knitting pattern is simply a top-down sweater with shaping that grows out from the neckline along diagonal raglan lines. This post walks you through my own version—The Ladies Michael Sweater—and shares why I designed it the way I did. The full free raglan sweater knitting pattern is waiting for you at the bottom of this post.
What makes this free raglan sweater knitting pattern special?
This free raglan sweater knitting pattern stands out because it blends comfort, structure, and simple texture in a way that works for everyday life.
I designed the Ladies Michael Sweater because I wanted a grown-up version of my Youth and Baby Michael Sweater patterns. Those two patterns already had my heart, but I wanted a classic-fit women’s sweater with extra refinement. That’s why this one has short-row shaping at the neck, a nicer drape, and a wide raglan line that shows off the stitches beautifully.
The all-over 4×2 broken rib gives it a clean, modern feel while still behaving like a good textured stitch—stretchy, structured, but not clingy. I knit mine using Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) on size 7 (4.5mm) needles, with size 6 (4mm) for the edges, and it bloomed just right after blocking.
And yes… it truly wears with everything.
Why did I want a free raglan sweater knitting pattern for skirts?
I wanted a free raglan sweater knitting pattern that would pair with skirts because that’s how I dress every day.
As an Apostolic Pentecostal girl living in Montana, skirts are my daily wardrobe—no matter the weather. And believe me, here in Montana, weather gets a little dramatic. When the temps dip below zero (Fahrenheit), which they absolutely do every single winter, I want a full knitted outfit that actually keeps me warm and still feels cute.
That’s how the Ladies Michael Sweater + Michael Skirt combo was born.
And yes—the Michael Skirt pattern is releasing January 1st!
The sweater looks just as good tucked into a skirt as it does half-tucked into jeans, and the rib stitch keeps the fabric from feeling bulky. The classic fit of this free raglan sweater knitting pattern makes styling effortless.
How does this sweater fit and feel?
This sweater fits like a dream because the shaping and stitch pattern work together to land right in that sweet spot of “structured but relaxed.”
Here’s what I love most:
- The 4×2 broken rib gives great stretch without hugging too tight.
- The wide raglan shaping looks flattering on every body type.
- The short-row neckline makes the sweater sit naturally at the collarbone.
- The broken rib works beautifully with Berroco Vintage (affiliate link), giving the fabric a soft drape with enough bounce to keep its shape.
I’ve made—and worn—more sweaters than I can count, but this one quickly became an everyday favorite.
Want tips for knitting this free raglan sweater knitting pattern?
If you’re tackling your first free raglan sweater knitting pattern, here’s what I recommend.
This one-sentence summary: Take your time with the neck shaping and trust the stitch pattern—it does the heavy lifting.
A few more helpful pointers:
- Mark your raglan lines clearly.
The shaping repeats are simple, but markers make the wide raglan look extra crisp. - Don’t skip the short rows.
They make the neckline sit beautifully—worth every turn. - Use a yarn that blooms.
Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) is perfect because the acrylic-wool blend relaxes into the ribbing in such a pretty way. - Block lightly.
Broken rib stretches easily, so let the fabric settle without over-stretching.
If you’re brand new to raglans, you can check out my tutorial on how to knit a sweater with raglan sleeves step by step—that post breaks down the whole construction in a beginner-friendly way.
How does the Ladies Michael compare to the youth and baby versions?
Here’s the quick summary: The stitch pattern is the same, but the refinement is grown-up.
The biggest differences:
- Short-row neck shaping
- Wider raglan lines
- More refined fit
- Classic silhouette designed for adult wear
- Works beautifully with skirts and jeans
It’s the same heart as the original Michael patterns—just grown up and ready for everyday living.
What makes a free raglan sweater knitting pattern so beginner-friendly?
A free raglan sweater knitting pattern is beginner-friendly because it teaches construction in a clear, visual way.
When you work top-down:
- You can try on the sweater as you go.
- Length adjustments are easy.
- Sleeve shaping is predictable.
- You don’t need to seam anything except weave in ends.
It’s one of the easiest sweater styles to learn, which is why so many knitters love it as their first garment.
If you want more beginner-friendly projects, check out my Free Sweater Pattern Page, which I update constantly.
FAQ: Free Raglan Sweater Knitting Pattern
1. Can I substitute yarn in this free raglan sweater knitting pattern?
Yes! Anything in a similar worsted weight will work. Just be sure it blooms a little like Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) so the broken rib doesn’t feel stiff.
2. Is this a good first sweater?
Absolutely. The broken rib is easy, the shaping is straightforward, and the top-down construction helps you see the sweater forming as you knit.
3. How long does it take to knit?
Most knitters finish it in a couple of weeks, but it depends on your knitting pace and how much Netflix is involved.
4. Can I lengthen the sleeves or body?
Yes—just knit more! That’s the beauty of a top-down free raglan sweater knitting pattern.
5. What tools do I need?
Size 7 (4.5mm) and size 6 (4mm) circular needles, stitch markers, a yarn needle, and worsted weight yarn like Berroco Vintage (affiliate link).
Final Thoughts + Next Steps
A free raglan sweater knitting pattern is one of the most rewarding projects you can make, and the Ladies Michael Sweater is one of my absolute favorites. It’s warm, timeless, simple to knit, and easy to style—exactly what I wanted in a handmade winter wardrobe staple here in Montana.
You’re going to find the full free raglan sweater knitting pattern at the bottom of this post, and I cannot wait to see your version.
While you’re here, you might also love my Youth Michael Sweater, Baby Michael Sweater, or my How to Knit a Raglan Sleeve.
Ladies Michael Sweater Free Pattern
MATERIALS AND INFO
Size: XS, S (M, L) XL, 2X (3X, 4X)
Materials: Approximately 1085, 1185 (1495, 1530) 1710, 1930 (2035, 2230) yards of Berroco Vintage (218y/100g)
Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm circular needles and dpn, 6(US) 4mm circular and dpn Gauge (tension): 22sts & 28 rows to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles working in stockinette stitch
Chest Measurement: 75, 85 (95, 105) 115, 125 (135, 145) cm or 30, 34 (38, 42) 46, 50 (54, 58) ins
METHOD
This pattern a crew neck raglan worked in the round from the top down with 10cm of ease. The sleeves are held and then picked up and worked in the round. The main body is knit in a wide rib while the edges are worked in a 1×1 rib pattern.
1X1 RIB PATTERN
Row 1 (right side row) – (k1, p1) across
Row 2 – knit all the knit stitches, purl all the purl stitches.
RAGLAN INCREASES Inc row – [k2, m1l, work to 2 sts before next marker, m1r, k2, sm] repeat [to] 3 more times, then continue to end of row/round. 8 sts increased
MICHAEL RIB
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – (p2, k4) around
YOKE
Cast on using U.S. 6 circular needle: 84, 84 (100, 100) 104, 112 (116, 120) sts.
Join in the round, placing a bor marker.
Work in 1×1 rib for 2.5cms or 1 in
Set up row – Start working Michael Rib now with a round 1 as follows: k18, 18 (22, 22) 23, 25 (26, 27) back sts, pm, k6, 6 (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) sleeve sts, pm, k36, 36 (44, 44) 46, 50 (52, 54) front sts, pm, k6, 6 (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) sleeve sts, pm,
k18, 18 (22, 22) 23, 25 (26, 27) back sts
RAGLAN INCREASES AND NECK SHAPING
Raglan shaping and neck shaping are worked AT THE SAME TIME using short rows. You can use the method of short rows that works best for you. I am using wrap and turn short rows and describe those below.
Row 1 (RS): Knit to 2 st before marker, M1R, k2, sm, k2, M1L, knit to 2 sts before next marker, M1R, k2, sm, k2, M1L, work 2 in pattern, wrap the yarn around next stitch. Turn your work.
Step 2 (WS): sizes xs-m – Purl to beginning of round marker (mid back). Sizes L-4x – Purl to 2 st before marker, M1L, p2, sm, p2, M1R, purl to 2 sts before marker, M1L, p2, sm, p2, M1R,Purl to beginning of round marker (mid back).
Step 3 (WS): Purl to 2 st before marker, M1L, p2, sm, p2, M1R, purl to 2 sts before marker, M1L, p2, sm, p2, M1R, work2 in pattern, wrap the yarn around the next stitch. Turn your work.
Step 4 (RS): sizes xs-m Knit to beginning of round (mid back).
Sizes L-4x – Knit to 2 st before marker, M1R, k2, sm, k2, M1L, knit to 2 sts before next marker, M1R, k2, sm, k2, M1L, Knit to beginning of round (mid back).
A total of 8, 8 (8, 16) 16, 16 (16, 16) stitches have been increased in these 4 steps (the 4 steps equals 1, 1 (1, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) raglan increases) Repeat steps 1-4, but each time working 2 more sts before turning, knitting the wraps and the next stitch as you pass them, 3 more times, so the first 4, 4 (4, 8) 8, 8 (8, 8) raglan increases have been worked.
Next round: knit around, knitting the wraps and the stitch they are wrapped around together.
Now work each raglan round as follows:
Inc round/row – [work in pattern to 1 sts before marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L] repeat across
Work raglan increases as described above (note: the first 4, 4 (4, 8) 8, 8 (8, 8) were worked in the neck shaping short row rounds)
Every round 0, 0 (0, 10) 18, 20 (28, 32) times,
Then every other round/row 24, 29 (31, 26) 23, 24 (21, 21) times.
Work 3, 0 (1, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) rounds without any raglan increases.
STITCH COUNT CHECK
Once all the raglan and neck increases have been completed you will have 276, 316 (348, 388) 432, 464 (508, 544) sts on your needles divided as follows:
84, 94 (106, 116) 128, 138 (150, 160) sts (front/back),
54, 64 (68, 78) 88, 94 (104, 112) sts (each sleeve)
DIVIDE FOR SLEEVES
Remove markers as you get to them.
Work across first to marker, rm, place the next 54, 64 (68, 78) 88, 94 (104, 112) sts on a holder or waste yarn (right sleeve), rm,
Cast on using the backwards loop method 12, 14 (14, 10) 10, 12 (12 14), sts (right underarm),
Work in pattern 84, 94 (106, 116) 128, 138 (150, 160) sts (front), rm,
Place the next 54, 64 (68, 78) 88, 94 (104, 112) sts on a holder or waste yarn (left sleeve), rm,
Cast on using the backwards loop method 12, 14 (14, 10) 10, 12 (12, 14) sts (left underarm),
Work in pattern to beginning of round marker.
192, 216 (240, 252) 276, 300 (324, 348) sts
SWEATER BODY
Continue in Michael Rib pattern until piece measures 31, 31 (32.5, 32.5) 32.5, 32.5 (32.5, 32.5) cm (or desired length) or 12.5, 12.5 (13, 13) 13, 13 (13, 13) measuring from underarm (or desired length) ending after completing a round 1 of the Michael rib stitch pattern.
Switch to smaller circular needle.
Work in 1×1 rib for 4 cms or 1.5ins.
Bind off all sts in pattern.
SLEEVES
Keeping in Micheal Stitch pattern, work each sleeve one at a time as follows: Pick up 6, 7 (7, 5) 5, 6 (6, 7) sts from underarm,
Work 54, 64 (68, 78) 88, 94 (104, 112) sts in pattern off the sleeve on the holder,
pick up 6, 7 (7, 5) 5, 6 (6, 7) sts from underarm on to larger needles
place marker at center underarm to keep track of the beginning of round. 66, 78 (82, 88) 98, 106 (116, 126) sts
Work 17, 11 (11, 17) 19, 15 (17, 13) rounds in pattern.
DECREASES
Decrease 1 st at each side of marker every 6th round 14, 11 (12, 3) 0, 0 (0, 0)
then every 4th round 0, 8 (9, 21) 22, 21 (17, 14) times Then every other round 0, 0 (0, 0) 6, 10 (18, 26) times [38, 40 (40, 40) 42, 44 (46, 46) sts].
Continue without increasing in micheal rib stitch pattern until sleeve measures 37.5, 38 (40.5, 41) 42, 42.5 (42.5, 43)cms or 15, 15.25 (16.25, 16.5) 16.75, 17 (17, 17.25) ins (or desired length) measuring from underarm ending after completing a round 1 of the Michael rib stitch pattern.
CUFF
Switch to smaller dpn needles
Work in 1×1 rib for 4 cms or 1.5ins. Bind off in pattern.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and block as desired.
ABBREVIATIONS
bor – beginning of round
k – knit
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
m1l – pick up from front to back the strand between the 2sts on your needles, knit through back loop
m1r – pick up from back to front the strand between the 2sts on your needles, knit through the front loop P – purl pm – place marker sm – slip marker
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
Ladies Micheal Sweater PDF Download
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.
Tell me in the comments—what color will you knit your Ladies Michael Sweater in?
The post Free Raglan Sweater Knitting Pattern: Ladies Michael Sweater appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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