Here’s a full tutorial on how to knit a top-down raglan heart sweater. This pattern will guide you step-by-step through the process of knitting a fun and cozy sweater with heart motifs, all while working from the top down.
Materials:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (about 800–1200 yards depending on size)
- Needles: US size 8 (5mm) circular knitting needles (for the body) and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves
- Stitch markers: To mark raglan increases
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Scissors
Abbreviations:
- CO = Cast on
- K = Knit
- P = Purl
- YO = Yarn over
- K2tog = Knit 2 together (decrease)
- M1 = Make 1 (increase)
- PM = Place marker
- SM = Slip marker
- RS = Right side
- WS = Wrong side
- BO = Bind off
Gauge:
- 4 inches = 18 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch.
Size:
This pattern is customizable, but the instructions will be for a medium size (36-38 inches bust). Adjust the number of stitches based on your desired bust measurement.
Instructions:
1. Cast On & Set Up for Raglan
- CO 120 stitches (or adjust based on your desired size). This will be the total number of stitches for the body of the sweater.
- Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
- Place a marker at the beginning of the round. This will be your starting point.
2. Raglan Increases (Top-Down)
- You will be increasing at the four raglan points, one between the front and back, and two between the front and sleeves.
- Round 1:
- K1, M1, K to 1 stitch before the first marker, M1, SM, K1, M1, K to 1 stitch before the second marker, M1, SM, K1, M1, K to the end of the round.
- This increases 8 stitches in total, and you will continue to increase in this way for each raglan round.
- Rounds 2-6:
- Continue increasing every other round until there are about 160 stitches on your needles (adjust according to your size). You should now have a basic raglan shape, with the sleeve stitches being separated by markers.
3. Creating the Heart Motif
To incorporate the heart motif, you will work a pattern using yarn overs (YO) and decreases. This section can be worked in a few different ways, but here’s a basic heart design.
Heart Motif (worked every 6th round, between raglan increases):
- Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 3 (RS): K1, YO, K2, YO, K1 (creates the top of the heart), K until the raglan marker, K1, YO, K2, YO, K1 (repeat on both sides of the round).
- Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 5 (RS): Knit the stitches until you reach the heart section, K2tog (to form the middle of the heart), YO, K2, YO, K2tog (to close the heart), then continue the rest of the round.
Repeat this motif every 6th round as you knit the raglan until you reach the underarm.
4. Split for Sleeves
Once your raglan increases are complete and you have worked a few rounds of heart motifs (if desired), it’s time to split for the sleeves.
- Round 1: Knit up to the first sleeve marker, then place the next 60 stitches (for the sleeve) on a stitch holder or waste yarn.
- Next: Repeat the same process for the second sleeve. This leaves you with the stitches for the body, which you will now work in the round.
5. Body of the Sweater
- Continue knitting the body of the sweater in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until it reaches your desired length.
- You can add ribbing at the bottom (K2, P2) for a finished look, knitting for about 2 inches before binding off loosely.
6. Sleeves
- Pick up stitches for the sleeves: Starting at the underarm, pick up 50-60 stitches (adjust for your size).
- Work the sleeve in the round using stockinette stitch (knit every round) until you reach the desired sleeve length (usually about 18 inches).
- To shape the sleeve cuff, you can add ribbing (K2, P2) for about 2 inches, then bind off loosely.
7. Finishing
- Neckline: Pick up stitches around the neckline (about 80-100 stitches, depending on the size). Work a few rounds of ribbing (K2, P2) for about 2 inches. Bind off loosely.
- Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
- Block your sweater to smooth out the fabric and shape the stitches. Be sure to follow yarn care instructions for the best results.
Optional Customization:
- You can make the heart pattern as subtle or bold as you’d like by adjusting the frequency or size of the hearts.
- Experiment with colors! You can make the heart motif a different color, or even make stripes or color-block sections for added flair.
Conclusion:
This top-down raglan heart sweater is a fun and cozy way to add a little love to your knitting collection. The heart motif gives it a playful touch, while the raglan construction ensures it’s a comfortable, flattering fit. Whether you’re knitting it for yourself or as a gift, this sweater will surely be a hit! Enjoy knitting, and feel free to experiment with the design as you go!