Knit Raglan Sweater – Pattern Review

First time making a knit raglan sweater and I want to share my experience with you!

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I’m a crocheter, but I’ve been following this amazing knitter for a quite a while now. I have to dig deep into my memory exactly when and how I found her, but I believe it was around when Stephanie from All About Ami made a knit dress made by her pattern.

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A Designer from Calgary, Alberta

If you’re a knitter, you might know who I’m talking about. Yup. I’m talking about Chantal from Knitatude! She has over 70 patterns…from beanie to sweater to cardigan to even a dress that you can wear to a nice party!! All of her patterns are meant for beginner friendly so anyone can easily follow and make gorgeous knitwear. I’m sure you can find a design that you’ll love!

Pattern Testing

Also, if you are on Chantal’s newsletter, you probably saw this but…my photo was on it! It’s such an honor to see my own photo being used by someone who I really admire.

Yarn I Used

I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Natural Heather. I had this yarn in my stash to make a blanket to prepare for upcoming cold weather we get here in Chicago. However, it ended up being a nice, cozy knit raglan sweater (which I totally don’t mind having a new sweater!) This yarn has 20% wool and 80% acrylic, which is great yarn to work with for any get-ready-for-winter projects. I have another sweater that is also wool blend, and that for sure kept me warm last winter. So I know that this sweater is going to keep me warm this winter! If you want the warmth, it’ll be a bit pricey end, but Chantal often talks about how much she love LB Collection Chainette Yarn. I would love to put my hands on that yarn someday! (You can check out on Instagram #StockinetteBeginnerRaglanLITE for the yarns other people are making with!)

Another great thing about wool-blend yarn is that there’s an awesome technique when joining a new yarn. You can join the yarn seamlessly! You can check out my blog post for photo tutorial!

Construction

If you never made a raglan sweater or don’t know what a raglan sweater is, it is constructed from top to bottom and divided into 4 sections: front, back and 2 sleeves. Starting from neck area, increase for upper chest (yoke), split for body and sleeves, then go down to the body, finish it off with the sleeves (or you can start with body and finish it off with the body).

The Progress in Making

You see the diagonal line along my upper chest right? That’s how the yoke gets wider and it’s the only increased sections throughout the pattern. Since this was my first time making it, it was super fun and exciting to see my sweater grow! What’s also great about raglan sweater is that you can try it on while you are making it. That’s why it’s really easy to adjust the size the way you want!

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Gauge, gauge, gauge!!

Let me tell you something important…making a gauge swatch for garment is crucial! You HAVE TO match the gauge that is being mentioned in the pattern! Or else you may end up frogging the whole project because it won’t fit. Honestly, I hate making a swatch. I wish my gauge somehow match the pattern gauge automatically. But the reality is, everyone knit/crochet differently so you need to check it.

I actually had a hard time making a gauge swatch for this sweater. With the required needle size, I had correct number of stitches, but I had less rows . So I changed my knitting needle (both smaller size and bigger size) but nothing matched exactly. I asked Chantal what I should do, and she said stick with the required needle size. I’m glad I asked because when I measured the row height later, I ended up having the correct row height! If I didn’t ask her and went with other needle, I’m sure my sweater wouldn’t have fit me. (So always ask the designer if you have any problems!)

Tools

As crochet being my main yarn craft, I never used a ring stitch marker. I only used locking/removable stitch marker so this was my first time using ring stitch marker. I also used double pointed needle (DPN) for sleeves instead of a circular needle. It’s been a while since last time I used them. I don’t hate using them, but I think I’m going to get shorter circular needle next time. In my opinion, DPNs are little bit harder to use, and you can drop the stitches easier than a circular needle.

My Recommended Tools

Finished Look

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my raglan sweater! Doesn’t this look so beautiful?! I wore it few times this past month, and it’s so warm and cozy! (Also I thank my sister for taking these awesome photos!) I made size S, and it fitted perfectly! Like spot on with my bust, sleeve length, everything! I usually wear slightly bigger size than this turned out, but it was definitely nice to add fitted sweater to my wardrobe.

If you’re looking for a sweater pattern, this one is a great one to make. You can get your copy of this pattern from Chantal’s website, Etsy shop, or Ravelry shop! A knit kit is also available from Lion Brand website! (Right now there’s a Wonder Wheel going on at their website, and you can get a coupon code with up to 35% off!) Christmas is coming up, so this could be great gift to make (or gift to give for maker!)

Thank you so much for reading and happy crocheting (and knitting!)

This review is my honest opinions from Tae of Tying An End. Please do not use my photos and contents as your own. Please see Disclosure & Terms of Use for more info.