Copper Leaves Raglan

Copper Leaves Raglan Sweater: Crochet Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Copper Leaves Raglan is a top-down crochet sweater designed by coffeeandcrocheting. This intermediate-level garment features a raglan construction with sleeves worked in the round directly onto the body piece, creating a seamless integrated design. The sweater is suitable for those with foundational crochet skills who are ready to tackle garment shaping and color work.

Construction Technique

The Copper Leaves Raglan employs a one-piece top-down construction method, which is a popular approach in modern crochet garment design. This technique allows the crocheter to work from the neckline downward, gradually increasing stitches to shape the body and sleeves simultaneously. The raglan shaping is achieved through strategic increases that create the characteristic diagonal seams running from the underarm to the neckline. Because the sleeves are worked in the round straight on the body piece, there is minimal finishing required, making this an efficient construction method for wearable garments.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Copper Leaves Raglan is single crochet (SC), worked in two variations:

• SC-BLO (Single Crochet Through Back Loop Only): This creates the main fabric of the sweater, producing a textured appearance with visible horizontal ridges
• SC-FLO (Single Crochet Through Front Loop Only): Used for gauge measurement and specific pattern sections

These single crochet variations create a dense, structured fabric ideal for a fitted raglan sweater. The pattern notes that chains do not count as stitches in this design, with normal stitch counts provided in parentheses throughout the instructions for clarity.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this pattern to fit correctly. The recommended gauge is 13 rows of SC-FLO by 15 SC-FLO across in a 10x10cm (4x4") swatch using non-blocked gauge. The pattern emphasizes that you must reach gauge in both rows and across for the size to be accurate. The sample sweater shown in the pattern is size S, providing a visual reference for fit and finished dimensions.

Materials and Yarn

The Copper Leaves Raglan is designed for Aran weight yarn (also called Worsted weight, 10 ply, or weight category 4). Recommended yarn brands include Drops Big Merino or Lana Gatto Nuovo Irland, both of which provide the appropriate yardage and fiber characteristics for this sweater.

The pattern incorporates color work using three colors in a 4:1:1 ratio, allowing for creative personalization while maintaining the intended design aesthetic. Specific yarn yardage requirements are provided in the size guide included with the pattern.

Tools Required

• Crochet hook size 5.0 mm (H-8): Primary hook for working the main fabric
• Crochet hook size 4.0 mm (G-6): Optional, potentially for ribbing or finishing details
• Tapestry needle: Essential for weaving in yarn ends after completion
• Stitch markers or similar: Helpful for tracking increases and marking pattern repeats in the round

Pattern Format and Instructions

The Copper Leaves Raglan is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern written using US crochet terminology. The pattern includes references to stitch video instructions available on the designer's YouTube channel, making it accessible for visual learners who benefit from seeing techniques demonstrated. This combination of written instructions and video support makes the pattern suitable for intermediate crocheters working on their first or second garment project.