Rachel Raglan

Rachel Raglan Sweater by Born & Raised Knits

What Is Being Made

The Rachel Raglan is a knitted sweater featuring a classic raglan sleeve construction. This intermediate-level pattern offers nine different sizes, making it accessible for various body measurements and fit preferences. The design showcases a multi-color approach using stranded knitting techniques to create visual interest and depth in the finished garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add complexity and visual appeal to the finished sweater:

• Stranded knitting — a colorwork technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across rows to create patterned designs
• Knitting in the round — working on circular needles to create seamless fabric, which is typical for raglan construction
• Slip stitch — a foundational technique used for joining and shaping
• Lifted increases — both right-leaning (RLI) and left-leaning (LLI) increases provide shaping control for the raglan decreases and increases

Stitches and Construction Details

The Rachel Raglan utilizes standard knit and purl stitches as the foundation, with increases and decreases strategically placed to create the raglan shaping. The pattern includes specialized stitch markers — including one unique beginning-of-round marker and removable stitch markers — to help track pattern repeats and construction points. Abbreviations such as pm (place marker), sm (slip marker), and ssm (slip special marker) are used throughout the instructions.

Yarn and Materials

The Rachel Raglan is designed for DK weight yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size from 280 yards to 585 yards for the main color. The pattern calls for three distinct yarns:

• Main Color (MC) — Ritual x BRK Exclusive in DK weight
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) — Amber in DK weight, ranging from 300 to 630 yards depending on size
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) — Ritual x BRK Exclusive in Mohair, requiring 380 to 800 yards

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires US Size 6 circular needles in multiple lengths: 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32-inch sizes accommodate different stages of construction from the neckline through the body. Additional notions include a darning needle for finishing, one unique beginning-of-round marker, three standard stitch markers, and two special removable stitch markers for tracking pattern sections.

Gauge and Blocking

Gauge is measured after blocking, which is essential for achieving accurate finished measurements. The pattern specifies a 4-inch gauge swatch, a standard measurement for determining proper fit and drape in the completed sweater.

Sizing Range

The Rachel Raglan is available in nine sizes, numbered 1 through 9, allowing knitters to select the appropriate dimensions for their intended wearer. Each size has distinct yardage requirements and finished measurements, accommodating a wide range of body types and preferences.