Free Top Down Raglan Sweater Knitting Pattern for Kids You’ll Love: Youth Saffron Pullover
A top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids with lace sleeves, perfect for everyday wear or special outfits using DK yarn.
This top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids is designed for knitters who want something simple to construct but still full of thoughtful detail. The sweater is worked from the top down in one piece, making it easy to try on as you go and adjust the fit. The stockinette body keeps things relaxing, while the lace sleeves add just enough interest to keep you engaged. It’s a great project for knitters who want to practice raglan shaping or dip into lace without feeling overwhelmed. I especially love this for everyday wear, layering, or gifting since it works up beautifully in soft DK yarn.
Why did I design this top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids?
I wanted a sweater that felt simple, wearable, and just a little bit special. Something you could knit without overthinking, but still end up with a finished piece that makes people ask where you got it.
This sweater was knit for my 6-year-old daughter, and I kept coming back to the idea of pairing a clean stockinette body with delicate lace sleeves. The lace is inspired by tiny saffron flowers, with little six-petal details that feel soft and subtle instead of bold or busy.
If you’ve ever loved the construction of a classic raglan but wanted something with a little personality, this one hits that balance.
What does the finished sweater look like and how is it constructed?
This is a top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids with a V-neck, worked seamlessly from the neckline down.
Finished Item:
- Lightweight, breathable sweater
- Stockinette body
- Lace sleeves with a soft balloon shape
- Gentle V-neckline
Skill Level:
Beginner to intermediate
Construction Style:
- Top down raglan
- Knit in the round after the neckline
- Sleeves worked in the round
- No seaming required
If you’ve already knit something like the Granite Sweater, this construction will feel very familiar. If not, this is still a great introduction to raglans.
What materials do I need to knit this sweater?
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- DK weight yarn like Berroco Vintage DK (affiliate link)
- Size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles (affiliate link)
- Stitch markers (affiliate link)
- Tapestry needle (affiliate link)
- Scrap yarn or stitch holders (affiliate link)
I used Berroco Vintage DK (affiliate link) because it’s soft, durable, and easy to care for—especially important for kids’ sweaters that will actually get worn.
How does this sweater fit and what sizes are included?
This sweater is designed with a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit that still looks polished.
- True-to-size fit for layering
- Slight ease through the body
- Balloon-style sleeves that taper at the cuff
Because it’s worked top down, you can easily adjust:
- Body length
- Sleeve length
- Depth of the V-neck
That flexibility is one of my favorite things about a top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids.
What should I know about yarn choice for this pattern?
DK weight yarn is the sweet spot here. It gives you enough structure for the lace to show clearly while still feeling light enough for everyday wear.
Berroco Vintage DK (affiliate link) works beautifully because:
- It holds stitch definition well
- It’s soft against the skin
- It washes easily (which matters with kids)
If you’ve used the lace from my Saffron Socks, you’ll recognize how nicely this yarn shows off those little floral details.
What about gauge and why does it matter here?
Gauge matters most in the yoke and fit.
Since this is a top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids, your gauge affects:
- Neckline size
- Raglan depth
- Overall fit
Take the time to knit a swatch, especially if you’re substituting yarn.
The good news is that top-down construction gives you some flexibility to adjust as you go if things are slightly off.
Can I substitute yarn or needles?
Yes, absolutely.
If you don’t have Berroco Vintage DK (affiliate link), look for:
- Any DK weight yarn
- Similar fiber blends (wool/acrylic or wool blends)
Just keep in mind:
- Softer yarns will make the lace look more relaxed
- Firmer yarns will make the lace pop more
You can also adjust needle size slightly if needed to match gauge.
What skills do I need for this pattern?
This pattern uses approachable techniques with a little bit of detail work.
You’ll use:
- Knit and purl stitches
- Simple increases for raglan shaping
- Basic lace stitches (yarn overs and decreases)
- Knitting in the round
If you’ve never done lace before, this is a gentle place to start. The repeats are small and manageable.
If you need help, you can always check my knitting tutorial page where I walk through many of these techniques step by step.
When would I wear or gift this sweater?
This is one of those sweaters that works for almost everything.
- Everyday school wear
- Layering in cooler weather
- Family photos
- Church outfits
- Handmade gifts
The lace sleeves give it just enough detail to feel dressed up, but the stockinette body keeps it practical.
You could even pair it with accessories using the same lace pattern, like the Saffron Socks, for a coordinated look.
How does this compare to my other sweater patterns?
If you’ve knit my Granite Sweater, you’ll notice a similar construction but a different feel. Granite is more texture-focused, while this one leans into lace.
Compared to the Wheat Cardigan, this sweater has:
- A pullover design instead of buttons
- More defined sleeve details
- A slightly lighter feel overall
If you’re browsing for more options, you can always check the full sweater knitting pattern page to see what fits your next project best.
What questions do knitters usually have about this pattern?
Maybe not unless you’re comfortable with learning some new techniques and stitches.
You can. Just work the sleeves in stockinette for a simpler version. But in my opinion, it won’t be as fancy.
Because it’s top down, you can knit the sleeves longer or shorter as needed.
Yes, for working in the round and managing the growing sweater.
Youth Saffron Sweater Free Pattern
MATERIALS AND INFO
Size: (3/4y, 5/6y) 7/8y, 9/10y (11/12y, 13/14yrs)
Materials: Approximately (635, 740) 890, 1020 (1190, 1352) yds of Berroco Vintage DK 100g/2290yds yarn needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 5(US) 3.75mm circular needles and dpn, 4(US) 3.5mm circular and dpn
Gauge (tension): 24sts & 32 rows to make 10cm square, using size 6(US) 4mm needles working in stockinette stitch
Chest Measurement: (57, 61) 66, 72 (77.5, 85) cm or (22.5, 24) 26.5, 28.75 (31, 34) ins
METHOD
This pattern is a v-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 stockinette while the sleeves are knit lace. The sleeves are ballon sleeves.
Saffron Stitch Pattern
In the Round
Round 1 – [k5, k2tog, yo k1, yo, ssk]
Round 2 – knit across
Round 3 – [k6, yo, vdd, yo, k1]
Round 4 – knit aross
Round 5 – [k5, k2tog, yo k1, yo, ssk]
Round 6 – knit across
Round 7 – [ktog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5]
Round 8 – knit across
Round 9 – [k1, yo, vdd, yo, k6]
Round 10 – knit across
Round 11 – [ktog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5]
Round 12 – knit across
Flat
Round 1 – [k5, k2tog, yo k1, yo, ssk]
Round 2 – purl across
Round 3 – [k6, yo, vdd, yo, k1]
Round 4 – purl aross
Round 5 – [k5, k2tog, yo k1, yo, ssk]
Round 6 – purl across
Round 7 – [ktog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5]
Round 8 – purl across
Round 9 – [k1, yo, vdd, yo, k6]
Round 10 – purl across
Round 11 – [ktog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5]
Ruond 12 – purl across
YOKE
Cast on using U.S. 6 circular needle: (52, 52) 54, 58 (60, 64) sts.
Set up row (wrong side) – p (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) front sts, pm, (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) sleeve sts, pm, p (36, 36) 38, 42 (44, 48) back sts, pm, p (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) sleeve sts, pm, p (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) front sts
From here on out, the front and back will be worked in stockinette while the sleeves are worked in the charted saffron stitch pattern.
RAGLAN INCREASES AND NECK SHAPING
Raglan shaping and neck shaping are worked AT THE SAME TIME.
Row 1 – work across to 1sts before , m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit across to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, k1 (8sts increased)
Row 2 – purl across slipping markers as you come to them
Row 3 – k1, m1l, knit to 1sts before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit across to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit to 1 sts before end of row, m1r, k1 (8 sts increased)
Row 4 – purl across slipping marker as you come to them
Work rows 3-4 a total of (6, 8) 9, 9 (12, 12) times
Row 5 – k1, m1l, knit to 1sts before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit across to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit to 1 sts before end of row, m1r, k1 (8 sts increased)
Row 6 – p1, m1lp, purl to marker, sm, purl to marker, sm, purl to marker, sm, purl to marker, sm, purl to 1 sts before end of row, m1rp, p1 (2 sts increased)
Work rows 5-6 a total of (5, 4) 4, 5 (4, 5) times
Join in the round
Round 1 – work across to 1sts before , m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit across to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, k1 (8sts increased)
Round 2 – knit across, slipping markers as you come to them
Work rounds 1-2 for a total of (3, 4) 5, 4 (4, 5) times
Round 3 – work across to 1sts before , m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern until 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit across to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in saffron stitch pattern to 1 st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, k1 (8sts increased)
Round 4 – knit across, slipping markers as you come to them
Round 5 – work across in pattern, slipping markers as you come to them
Round 6 – knit across, slipping markers as you come to them
Work rounds 3-6 for a of (3, 3) 3, 4 (4, 4) times
Work (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) rounds without any raglan increases.
STITCH COUNT CHECK
Once all the raglan and neck increases have been completed you will have (228, 244) 264, 280 (300, 324) sts on your needles divided as follows:
(72, 76) 82, 88 (94, 102) sts (front/back),
(42, 46) 50, 52 (56, 60) sts (each sleeve)
With (6, 8) 9, 9 (12, 12) neck increases every other row.
(10, 8) 8, 10 (8, 10) neck increases every row.
(15, 17) 19, 19 (21, 23) raglan increases every other row/round.
(3, 3) 3, 4 (4, 4) raglan increases every 4th row/round.
DIVIDE FOR SLEEVES
Remove markers as you get to them.
With right side facing, work across left front, left sleeve, and backto the marker between the back and the right sleeve.
Place (42, 46) 50, 52 (56, 60) sleeve sts on holder,
Cast on (8, 4) 10, 8 (14, 10) sts, remover marker
Knit across front (72, 76) 82, 88 (94, 102) sts, remove marker,
Place (42, 46) 50, 52 (56, 60) sleeve sts on holder, remove marker
Cast on (8, 4) 10, 8 (14, 10) sts, remove marker,
Knit across back (72, 76) 82, 88 (94, 102) sts
The marker from the back/right sleeve is now your new bor marker.
(160, 160) 184, 192 (216, 224) sts
SWEATER BODY
Continue in stockinette until piece measures (20, 22.5) 25, 27.5 (30, 32.5) cm (or desired length) or (8, 9) 10, 11 (12, 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 established saffron stitch pattern, work each sleeve one at a time as follows: Pick up (4, 2) 5, 4 (7, 5) sts from underarm,
Work (42, 46) 50, 52 (56, 60) sts in pattern off the sleeve on the holder, pick up (4, 2) 5, 4 (7, 5) sts from underarm, place bor marker.
(50, 50) 60, 60 (70, 70) sts
Continue in saffron stitch pattern until sleeve measures (20, 22.5) 25, 27.5 (31, 34)cms or (8, 9) 10, 11 (12.5, 13.5) ins (or desired length) measuring from underarm ending after completing a round 6 or 12 of the saffron stitch pattern.
DECREASES
Knit (1, 0) 2, 2 (2, 5) [k2tog, k (2, 3) 2, 2 (1, 1)] across to last (1, 0) 2, 2 (2, 5) sts, knit (1, 0) 2, 2 (2, 5)
(38, 40) 46, 46 (48, 50) sts
CUFF
Switch to smaller dpn needles
Work in 1×1 rib for 4 cms or 1.5ins. Bind off in pattern.
NECKBAND
Sew shoulder seams.
Pick up and knit (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) sts from left sleeve,
Pick up and knit (22, 24) 25, 27 (30, 32) down left front,
1 st at center of “v”, pm,
Pick up and knit (22, 24) 25, 27 (30, 32) sts up right front,
Pick up and knit (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) sts from right sleeve,
Pick up and knit (36, 36) 38, 42 (44, 48) sts from back.
Join in the round.
(93, 97) 101, 109 (117, 125) sts
V-Neck rounds – work in k1p1 ribbing to 2 sts before center stitch marker, work vdd, continue in k1p1 around
Continue repeating v-neck rounds until the neck measures 2.5cms.
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
st – stich
vdd – vertical double decrease – slip the next 2 stitches on the left needle as if to knit them together and then slip them off the left needle and onto the right needle, knit the next st, pass slipped stitches over the knitted stitch together
yo – yarn over
Youth Saffron Sweater PDF
Want to make this sweater next?
If you try this top down raglan sweater knitting pattern for kids, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.
Leave a comment and tell me:
- What yarn you used
- Who you’re making it for
- Whether you kept the lace or changed it up
I always enjoy seeing how these projects come to life in different ways.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through them.
The post Free Top Down Raglan Sweater Knitting Pattern for Kids You’ll Love: Youth Saffron Pullover appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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