Chunky Raglan Overtop with Staggered Side Slits & Collar

Chunky Raglan Overtop with Staggered Side Slits & Collar

What is Being Made

This is a chunky knit raglan overtop designed by Pat Menchini, featuring a contemporary silhouette with distinctive staggered side slits and a structured collar. The overtop is crafted as a relaxed-fit pullover sweater suitable for intermediate knitters, with five size options ranging from 76/81 cm to 117/122 cm bust measurements. The finished garment lengths range from approximately 64 to 70 cm at the centre back (excluding the collar), with consistent 30 cm sleeve seams across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques characteristic of modern garment construction. The raglan sleeve construction is a primary technique, creating diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline for a comfortable, contemporary fit. The staggered side slits add visual interest and design detail to the overtop's silhouette. Knitters will work with stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with moss stitch for textural variation and detail work. The pattern requires attention to tension throughout, with different stitch patterns requiring specific gauge measurements to ensure proper fit and drape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (st-st) – the main fabric construction, worked over the majority of the garment body and sleeves
• Moss stitch (m-st) – used for textural contrast and detail elements, including the collar and potentially accent areas

Materials and Specifications

This overtop is worked in King Cole Twirly Tweed yarn in the shade Marshmallow. The yarn is a chunky weight, offering approximately 203 metres (222 yards) per 150g ball. Yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest sizes (76/81 and 86/91 cm) require 4 balls, the medium sizes (97/102 and 107/112 cm) require 5 balls, and the largest size (117/122 cm) requires 6 balls of 150g each. All knitting is worked on 6 mm (UK 4, US 10) knitting needles.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this pattern's success. Stockinette stitch tension should measure 14 stitches and 20 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) using 6 mm needles. Moss stitch tension should measure 24 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in depth using the same needle size. Knitters are advised to test their tension before beginning the project; if the tension is too loose, a finer needle should be used, and adjustments should be made accordingly for tighter tension.