Looking for a free raglan pullover knitting pattern that combines comfort, elegance, and a flawless fit? This top-down seamless sweater is worked entirely in the round, which means no seaming and endless opportunities to try it on as you go. The beautiful floral motif on the sleeves adds a delicate touch to the classic raglan sweater construction. Whether you are new to knitting in the round or an experienced knitter seeking a relaxing project, this free knitting pattern offers clear instructions for three sizes. Grab your circular needles and get ready to knit a lightweight cotton pullover perfect for spring and summer.
Sizes: 36/38 (40/42) 44/46
Yarn: (70% cotton, 30% viscose; 140 m/50 g) – 350 (400) 450 g in blue
Needles: Circular needles sizes 3.5 mm and 4 mm; one set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) sizes 3.5 mm and 4 mm
Pattern 1 – Ribbing (worked flat or in the round):
Even number of stitches. For flat knitting – Row 1 (RS): k1, p1 repeat from * to *, end with k1. Row 2 (WS): work stitches as they appear. For knitting in the round – Round 1: k1, p1 repeat around.
Pattern 2 – Stockinette Stitch (in the round): Knit all stitches.
Pattern 3 – Reverse Stockinette Stitch (in the round): Purl all stitches.
Pattern 4 – Floral Pattern (in the round): Follow the chart. Only odd-numbered rounds are shown. On even-numbered rounds, work stitches as they appear or as per chart symbols. Start with stitches before the right arrow, repeat the 16-stitch repeat between arrows, and end with stitches after the left arrow. Repeat Rounds 1–16.
Gauge (Patterns 2 and 4): 21 sts × 29 rounds = 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 inches)
Important: This free raglan pullover knitting pattern is worked from the top down in one seamless piece using circular needles.
Getting Started with Your Free Raglan Knitting Pattern
Cast on and first setup
Using 4 mm circular needles, cast on 114 (118) 122 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Work 1 round knit – this round is not counted in the instructions below.
Now place the stitches as follows:
- 1 st in Pattern 3 + 1 st in Pattern 2 (= 2 sts for raglan line)
- 38 (40) 42 sts in Pattern 2 (= back)
- 1 st in Pattern 2 + 2 sts in Pattern 3 + 1 st in Pattern 2 (= 4 sts for raglan line)
- 11 sts in Pattern 2 (= sleeve)
- 1 st in Pattern 2 + 2 sts in Pattern 3 + 1 st in Pattern 2 (= 4 sts for raglan line)
- 38 (40) 42 sts in Pattern 2 (= front)
- 1 st in Pattern 2 + 2 sts in Pattern 3 + 1 st in Pattern 2 (= 4 sts for raglan line)
- 11 sts in Pattern 2 (= sleeve)
- 1 st in Pattern 2 + 1 st in Pattern 3 (= 2 sts for raglan line)
How to Work the Easy Raglan Increase
Every 2nd round, make 1 yarn over (YO) on each side of every raglan line. In the following round, knit each YO through the front loop to create a small eyelet. Repeat these increases 29 (31) 33 times in total. After all increases, you will have 346 (366) 386 sts, distributed as:
- Front and back: 96 (102) 108 sts each
- Sleeves: 69 (73) 77 sts each
- Raglan lines: 4 sections × 4 sts each
Work the new sts into the existing pattern as they appear.
Adding the Floral Motif (This Free Raglan Sweater Pattern Gets Pretty)
At 2 cm = 6 rounds from the cast-on edge, start Pattern 4 on the sleeve stitches. Center the motif using the double arrow on the chart as your midpoint.
Separating Body and Sleeves in This Top-Down Raglan Pattern
At 20 cm = 58 rounds (22 cm = 64 rounds, 24 cm = 70 rounds) from the cast-on edge, divide the work at the raglan lines. Continue working only the front and back stitches (96 (102) 108 sts each) in Pattern 2. At the underarms, cast on 4 new stitches on each side (replacing the sleeves). You now have 208 (220) 232 sts on your needles. Mark the side lines (center of the newly cast-on underarm stitches).
Knitting the Body of Your Seamless Raglan Pullover
At 25 cm = 72 rounds from the division, arrange the stitches as follows: *4 (7) 10 sts in Pattern 2, 96 sts in Pattern 4, 4 (7) 10 sts in Pattern 2* – repeat from * to * twice. After 6 rounds, return to Pattern 2 on all stitches.
At 31 cm = 90 rounds from the division, divide the work for side slits. Switch to 3.5 mm needles and work back and forth in Pattern 1 (ribbing) for 4 cm = 13 rows. Bind off all stitches as they appear.
Knitting the Sleeves – Following Your Free Raglan Pullover Knitting Pattern
Return to the 71 (75) 79 sleeve stitches. Work Pattern 4 in the round. In the first round, knit the 4 underarm stitches you cast on earlier – you will have 75 (79) 83 sts total. Mark the start of the round.
Sleeve decreases: In the next 10th round, decrease 2 sts. Then decrease 2 sts every 12th round, 7 more times. How to decrease:
- At the beginning of the round: k2tog (knit 2 together through the front loop)
- At the end of the round: ssk (slip, slip, knit)
After all decreases, 59 (63) 67 sts remain. Switch to DPNs when needed.
At 36.5 cm = 106 rounds from the division, work the lower cuff: switch to 3.5 mm DPNs, decrease 1 st in the first round (58 (62) 66 sts remain), then work 4 cm = 13 rounds of Pattern 1 (ribbing). Bind off loosely in pattern.
Finishing Your Knit Raglan Sweater from the Top Down (Neckline)
Using 3.5 mm circular needles, pick up and knit 114 (118) 122 sts around the neckline. Work 2.5 cm = 9 rounds of Pattern 2 (stockinette stitch). Bind off very loosely.
Weave in all ends and block your finished sweater. This free raglan pullover knitting pattern gives you a light, breathable garment with a touch of floral elegance. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to someone special, this top-down seamless sweater will surely become a wardrobe favorite. Download or save this free knitting pattern and cast on your next beloved raglan pullover today.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- ☐ = knit stitch
━ = purl stitch - U = yarn over
- Ü = in the purl row, knit the yarn over
- \²/ = knit 2 together (k2tog)
- ↓ = SSK (slip, slip, knit: slip 1 stitch as if to knit, slip 1 stitch as if to knit, insert left needle into the front loops of both slipped stitches and knit them together)
- ᗑ = SSSK (Slip 1, k2tog, psso: slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together, then pass the slipped stitch over the k2tog stitch.
Sweater Schematic
