Pittsfield Raglan Pullover #199

Pittsfield Raglan Pullover #199

What Is Being Made

The Pittsfield Raglan Pullover is a classic knitted sweater featuring a raglan sleeve construction. Designed by Sue McCain, this pullover is available in an extensive range of sizes from XXS through 6X, making it accessible to a wide variety of body types. The finished bust measurements range from 28 inches for the smallest size to 68.75 inches for the largest, with the sweater intended to be worn with approximately 2–4 inches of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs multiple sophisticated construction techniques to create a polished, professional-looking garment. The sweater is worked flat in sections and worked in the round, combining both methods for optimal shaping and fit. The raglan shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing that creates the characteristic diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline. The pattern incorporates lace elements, adding visual interest and texture to the design. The sweater is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning you begin knitting from the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The seamless construction method minimizes seaming work, creating a more refined finished garment with excellent drape and comfort.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture
• Knit (k): Fundamental knit stitch used in combination with other stitches
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for raglan shaping and lace pattern decreases
• Center Double Decrease (CDD): A centered decrease created by slipping 2 stitches together as if to knit 2 together, knitting 1 stitch, then passing the 2 slipped stitches over. This creates a centered, symmetrical decrease ideal for raglan lines
• Make 1 Left (M1L) and Make 1 Right (M1R): Increases worked by inserting the left-hand needle into the strand between stitches and knitting through the loop, with directional variations to create nearly invisible increases

Materials and Specifications

The Pittsfield Raglan Pullover is knitted with sport weight yarn, a lightweight yet substantial yarn that creates a fabric with excellent drape and wearability. The yardage requirements vary significantly by size, ranging from 1030 yards for the XXS size to 2285 yards for the 6X size. The model garment was knitted using Cascade Yarns 220 Sport, a 100% Peruvian Highland wool yarn available in 50-gram skeins with 164 yards per skein. This yarn choice provides warmth, durability, and the elasticity necessary for a well-fitting sweater.

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 5.5 stitches in stockinette stitch over 1 inch, measured over 11 wraps per inch (WPI). Knitters will need double-pointed needles (dpns) in addition to other needle sizes for working the seamless construction and in-the-round sections. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements, particularly given the wide size range and the advanced techniques employed.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with seamless construction, working in the round, managing multiple decreases for raglan shaping, and interpreting lace patterns. The combination of bottom-up and in-the-round construction, along with the precision required for proper raglan fit across multiple sizes, requires solid foundational knitting skills and attention to detail.