Summer Breezes Raglan Shell

Summer Breezes Raglan Shell by Therese Chynoweth

What Is Being Made

The Summer Breezes Raglan Shell is a sleeveless, A-line knit top designed by Therese Chynoweth. This advanced-level knitting project features a standard fit raglan construction with seven size options ranging from XS to 3XL. The finished garment includes a neckband and is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches [5–10 cm] of positive ease for comfortable layering and movement.

Finished Measurements

The shell is available in the following bust measurements:

• XS: 31¾" [80.5 cm]
• S: 35" [89 cm]
• M: 38¾" [98.5 cm]
• L: 42¼" [107.5 cm]
• XL: 47¾" [121.5 cm]
• 2XL: 51¼" [130 cm]
• 3XL: 55" [139.5 cm]

Length ranges from 25¼" [64 cm] in the smallest size to 28¼" [72 cm] in the largest size, measured from shoulder to hem and including the neckband.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced knitting pattern employs raglan construction, a classic technique where decreases are worked symmetrically on either side of four raglan lines to create the characteristic diagonal seams from the neckline to the underarms. The A-line shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked at intervals throughout the body sections, creating a flattering silhouette that widens gradually toward the hem. The pattern utilizes top-down construction, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust the length to personal preference.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While the complete stitch details are not fully visible in the provided content, the pattern is written using standard knitting abbreviations and instructions. The construction involves working in the round on circular needles, which is typical for raglan garments worked from the top down. Knitters will encounter increases and decreases as core shaping techniques, along with standard stockinette stitch for the body and likely ribbing for the neckband.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Weight: Sport Weight (Fine #2) yarn, with total yardage requirements varying by size from 765 yards [700 meters] for XS to 1330 yards [1216 meters] for 3XL.

Yarn Shown: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy, a blend of 41% cotton, 34% hemp, and 25% modal. This yarn is available at 153 yards [140 meters] per 1¾ oz [50 g] ball. The pattern sample is worked in color #054 White Beach, requiring 6 to 9 balls depending on size.

Needles: US 4 [3.5 mm] circular needles in two lengths—16" [40 cm] and 32" [80 cm]—to accommodate the various stages of top-down raglan construction and to allow for working in the round.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated Advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with top-down raglan construction, working in the round on circular needles, and managing multiple stitch counts across different sections of a garment.