Floral Raglan Cardigan

Floral Raglan Cardigan by Heathbrook

What is Being Made

The Floral Raglan Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed by Heathbrook, available in two finished sizes: 21 inches and 23½ inches. This is a button-front cardigan featuring a classic raglan sleeve construction, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Design and Construction

The cardigan is constructed with the fronts and back worked in one piece, which streamlines the knitting process and reduces the number of seams. The raglan sleeve style features diagonal shaping that extends from the underarm to the neckline, creating a flattering silhouette. The garment is finished with five or six buttons (depending on size) for closure, and includes ribbed edging at the cuffs and hem for a polished, fitted finish.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several essential knitting techniques:

• Raglan shaping: Diagonal decreases create the characteristic raglan sleeve cap
• Lace patterning: Yarn-over decreases create decorative floral motifs throughout the garment
• Ribbing: Single rib edging at the hem and cuffs provides elasticity and structure
• Stocking stitch: The primary fabric base for the cardigan body
• Buttonbands: Ribbed bands worked along the front edges to accommodate buttons

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and stitches including:

• K (knit) and P (purl): Foundation stitches
• St. st. (Stocking stitch): Alternating knit and purl rows to create the smooth fabric base
• M1 (make 1): An increase worked by picking up the loop between stitches and working into the back for invisible shaping
• K2 tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease
• Sl 1, k1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slip stitch over): A left-leaning decrease used in lace patterning
• Yrn (yarn round needle) and y/f (yarn forward): Yarn-overs that create the openwork floral design
• Single rib: Alternating knit and purl stitches in the round for elastic edging

Materials and Gauge

The Floral Raglan Cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically King Cole Cherished Baby DK in either Pale Pink (shade 1417) or Aqua (shade 1429), though any DK weight yarn of your choice may be substituted. The pattern requires 2 balls of 100 grams each, providing approximately 400 grams of yarn for the project.

Needles required are 3.25 mm for the ribbed edging and 4.00 mm for the main body fabric. Additional materials include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and five or six 15mm buttons for the front closure, depending on the size being knitted.

The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stocking stitch on 4.00mm needles. Checking tension before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Skill Level

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle lace patterning, raglan shaping, and garment construction. The combination of stocking stitch, lace motifs, and fitted shaping requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting patterns.