Dhari Baby Raglan (Bottom-Up) Version

Dhari Baby Raglan (Bottom-Up) Version by DesiLoopBySSK

What Is Being Made

The Dhari Baby Raglan is a pullover sweater designed for infants, available in five size options ranging from newborn to 24 months (0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months). This garment features a classic raglan sleeve construction, where the sleeves are increased gradually from the underarm to the neckline, creating diagonal seam lines from the armpit to the shoulder. The pullover design means it is worn by pulling it over the head rather than buttoning or zipping up the front. The pattern includes a crocheted button band option, adding versatility to the finished garment's closure style.

Techniques Used

The Dhari Baby Raglan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitters begin by casting on stitches at the lower edge of the sweater and work upward toward the neckline. This approach allows for easy adjustments to length and provides a straightforward progression for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern utilizes circular needles for working in the round on the body sections, with double-pointed needles (DPNs) for smaller circumference areas such as the sleeves and neckline. Blocking is incorporated into the finishing process to set the final dimensions and improve the drape of the completed sweater. An optional crocheted button band can be added using a crochet hook, offering an alternative finishing technique for those wishing to include button closures.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure throughout the Dhari Baby Raglan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern on the right side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The gauge for this pattern is established at 17 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The raglan increases are integrated into the construction, allowing the sleeve and body sections to expand at the appropriate rate.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Dhari Baby Raglan is designed to be knitted with Cascade 220 Wool, a 100% wool yarn with a yardage of 220 yards per 100 grams. The pattern calls for one ball each of two colors; the example shown uses color 9465B Orange and color 8555 Black. With a yarn weight of 220 yards per 100 grams, this falls into the DK to Aran weight category, making it suitable for creating a lightweight yet warm baby garment.

Needles: The pattern recommends US 8 (5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm) needles. A 24-inch (60 mm) circular needle is used for working the body in the round, while double-pointed needles (DPNs) are employed for working smaller sections such as the sleeves and neckline. The pattern emphasizes the importance of using the needle size that produces the correct gauge, as gauge varies from knitter to knitter and directly affects the final fit of the garment.

Additional Notions: The pattern requires a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing. Two scraps of waste yarn or stitch holders are needed to hold stitches temporarily during construction. Eight stitch markers help track pattern repeats and increase points throughout the knitting process. Blocking supplies are necessary to set the finished sweater to its intended dimensions. An optional US H (5 mm) crochet hook can be used to create a crocheted button band if desired, and buttons are needed if the optional button band closure is incorporated into the design.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques such as casting on, knit and purl stitches, increasing and decreasing, and working in the round. The bottom-up raglan construction and use of circular needles and DPNs provide a logical progression that intermediate knitters can follow with confidence.