Cardigan with raglan sleeves

Cardigan with Raglan Sleeves by Dorothy Bell

What is Being Made

This is a chunky knit cardigan designed by Dorothy Bell, featuring classic raglan sleeves that extend from the neckline to the underarm in a single continuous line. The cardigan is sized for a chest measurement of 61 centimeters (24 inches) with a back length of 41 centimeters (16 inches) and an underarm width of 24 centimeters (9.5 inches). The finished garment is fastened with five 20mm buttons, making it a practical layering piece suitable for intermediate knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked on 4mm needles to create elasticity at the cuffs, hem, and front bands. The main body is worked in stocking stitch, which alternates knit rows with purl rows to create the classic smooth fabric texture. Raglan shaping is achieved through strategic decreases that taper the sleeves gradually from the shoulder to the underarm, creating the distinctive diagonal lines characteristic of this sleeve style. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk) to manage shaping while maintaining fabric integrity. A stitch holder is used to temporarily hold stitches, likely for the neckline, allowing the knitter to work sections separately before binding off or grafting them together.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the basis of the fabric
• Purl (P) – used in alternation with knit to create stocking stitch
• Rib – knit 1, purl 1 ribbing for elasticated edges and cuffs
• Stocking Stitch (St-st) – alternating knit and purl rows creating the main fabric
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit and purl respectively, then knitting them together through the back loops
• Yarn Over (YO) – creates decorative or functional increases within the fabric
• Through Back of Loop (tbl) – stitches worked through the back loop for twisted effects or shaping
• Stitches Together (tog) – decreasing technique used throughout the raglan shaping

Materials Required

This cardigan requires 3 balls of chunky weight yarn at 100 grams per ball, for a total of 300 grams of yarn. The pattern specifies King Cole Big Value Chunky in the colorway Silver Lake. Three sets of needles are needed: 4mm (U.S. size 6) straight needles for ribbed sections, 6mm (U.S. size 10) straight needles for the main body worked in stocking stitch, and a 4mm circular needle for working the neckline. The tension is established at 14 stitches and 20 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stocking stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Additional notions include a stitch holder for managing live stitches, a row counter for tracking progress through the pattern, and five 20mm buttons for the front closure.