Gardiner Yarn Works Lace Rib Raglan Jumper Knitting Pattern

Gardiner Yarn Works Lace Rib Raglan – Plus Sweater

What is Being Made

The Gardiner Yarn Works Lace Rib Raglan is a short-sleeved, scoop-neck pullover sweater designed by Chrissy Gardiner. This garment is sized for plus-size figures, available in XXL, 3X, 4X, 5X, and 6X, with bust measurements ranging from 48" to 64" and finished lengths from 24.5" to 28". The sweater is a quick, fun knit ideal for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters seeking a modern, minimalist design with decorative lace detailing.

Construction and Techniques

This sweater is constructed seamlessly in-the-round, which minimizes finishing work and creates a polished final garment. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and adjust length as desired. The garment features a lace rib pattern at the waist, cuffs, and neckline, adding visual interest and texture to the design. The raglan shaping is incorporated into the pattern structure, creating smooth armhole decreases that flow naturally from the body.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lace Rib pattern is a four-round repeat that alternates between ribbed rounds and lace rounds. The pattern uses the following stitches:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the stockinette stitch base
• Purl (p) – used in the ribbed sections to create texture and definition
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in the lace pattern
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease used in the lace pattern
• Yarn over (YO) – creates the openwork eyelets characteristic of lace
• Make 1 (m1) – an increase stitch used strategically to shape the body after the lace rib section
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary stitch used for the body after the lace rib and increase rounds

The Lace Rib pattern specifically consists of: Rounds 1–2 repeat *P1, k5, p1* across all stitches. Round 3 introduces the lace element with *P1, k2tog, YO, k1, YO, SSK, p1* repeated around. Round 4 returns to the ribbed structure. This four-round sequence is repeated until the body reaches 5" from the cast-on edge.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for DK-weight yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: approximately 1460 yards for XXL, 1600 yards for 3X, 1800 yards for 4X, 2030 yards for 5X, and 2180 yards for 6X. The sample garment shown was knitted in RYC Silk Wool DK in Cord, a blend yarn that provides both drape and structure suitable for lace work.

Essential needles and tools include a 24" size 6 (4mm) circular needle for working the body in-the-round, a set of 5 size 6 (4mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) for the smaller circumference sections such as cuffs and neckline, stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and construction points, and stitch holders or waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during the neckline division. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using size 6 (4mm) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a plus-size garment where sizing increments are significant. The difficulty level is marked as advanced beginner, indicating that knitters should be comfortable with seamless in-the-round construction, lace techniques, and basic shaping before beginning this project.