Pattern/Technique: Lightweight Raglan Sweater by Purl Soho in size 48.
Modifications: No mods, but used the following measurements:
Sleeve:
Cord stitch: picked up purl bumps from above
Knit until sleeve measured 1” from cast on edge: 7 rows
Knit until 17 3/4” long: 27 rows
Body:
Armpit to waist distance - 12”
Difference between middle & side seam length - 2.5”
Therefore knit until center is 14.5” from CO edge
Materials: 3 skeins Purl Soho Linen Quill in Green Turquoise
US 4 circular needles
New skills: n/a
Lessons: I started knitting a year+ before I learned about the importance of gauge or intended ease (Jacqui Cieslak’s Sweater & Knitting Math for Curves classes were both fantastic resources) in obtaining a desired fit—I didn’t knit a gauge swatch for this sweater and basically winged it. What I did learn in Jacqui’s class is that row gauge—in particular the ratio between row and stitch gauge—is actually quite important for raglan sweaters due to the diagonal “seam” where the sleeves are joined to the body and decreases create the chest and shoulder shaping.
What I'd do differently: Despite my lack of fitting knowledge I managed to avoid any massive pitfalls (no sleeves 9” too long ;) but the fit ended up being more oversized than I what prefer to wear, and I wasn’t a fan of the curved bottom hemline given that I prefer to wear bottoms that hit me at my natural waist (and tend toward more cropped silhouettes on tops). I also noticed that the hemline construction resulted in a hem that tended to curl upward (something pretty common with stockinette stitch, and why many sweaters have ribbing along the hems).
Given what I’ve learned about sweater fit and my personal style since knitting this, I don’t think I’ll remake this particular pattern (I ended up giving this FO to my mom), but I’m excited to try another raglan sweater (e.g. Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Mae) with different hem design elements.
Care: Hand wash, dry flat.
