Raglanpullover Mantua

Raglanpullover Mantua by Bunte Fussel

What is Being Made

The Raglanpullover Mantua is a knitted pullover sweater featuring a classic raglan sleeve construction. This intermediate-level design is available in four size options: 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50, making it suitable for a range of body measurements. The sweater showcases a color-gradient yarn that creates visual interest throughout the finished garment.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction utilizes raglan shaping, a method where sleeve increases are worked symmetrically from the neckline down to create diagonal seams from the neck to the underarm. The sweater is worked in the round using circular needles, which is a common approach for seamless garment construction. The pattern incorporates increases and decreases to achieve the raglan shaping, along with yarn overs for decorative stitch patterns.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch (glatt rechts in German), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern includes several stitch variations:

• Right-leaning knit stitches (rechts)
• Left-leaning purl stitches (links)
• Twisted knit stitches (rechts verschränkte M)
• Yarn overs (Umschlag) for decorative elements
• Right-leaning decreases (2 M re zusammenstricken)
• Left-leaning decreases (1 M abh, 1 M re str., die abgeh. M drüber)

The pattern features multiple stitch motifs (labeled as Muster 1, Muster 2a, Muster 2b, Muster 3, and Muster 4) that provide textural and visual variation throughout the design.

Materials and Tools

The Raglanpullover Mantua is designed to be worked with Bobbel Zoe yarn by Bunte Fussel, a 4-ply weight yarn featuring a color gradient effect. This yarn is composed of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, offering a blend of breathability and durability. The yardage requirements vary by size: 700 meters plus two 130-meter sleeve bobbels for size 36/38; 750 meters plus two 130-meter sleeve bobbels for size 40/42; 1000 meters plus two 180-meter sleeve bobbels for size 44/46; and 1200 meters plus two 200-meter sleeve bobbels for size 48/50.

The pattern calls for 4.0mm circular needles and double-pointed needles (Nadelspiel) for working in the round. A gauge of 27 stitches and 32 rows per 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch is required for proper fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping. The raglan method and in-the-round construction provide good practice for developing seamless knitting skills.