Hayfield Raglan Sweaters Jumper Knitting Pattern

Hayfield Raglan Sweaters in Baby Blossom DK

What is Being Made

This pattern produces classic raglan sweaters designed for babies aged 0-24 months. Two style variations are included: a Round Neck Sweater and a Roll Neck Sweater, both knitted from Hayfield Baby Blossom DK yarn. The pattern offers six size options ranging from 0-3 months through 18-24 months, with chest measurements from 42 cm (16½") to 56 cm (22") and full lengths from 25 cm (9¾") to 36 cm (14").

Techniques Used

These sweaters are constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the body and sleeves are worked from the lower edge upward. The raglan shaping is a defining feature, created by strategic decreases that form diagonal lines from the armholes to the neckline. The garments are worked in the round using circular needles for the main body sections, which creates seamless construction and allows for continuous knitting without turning the work. Stripe patterns are incorporated into the design, adding visual interest to the finished sweater. The necklines are finished with ribbed edges to provide a neat, elastic finish.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout these sweaters is Stocking Stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped pattern on the right side. This fundamental knit stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. Ribbing is used at the cuffs, hem, and neckline to create elastic edges that hug the baby's body. The pattern includes increases for shaping the raglan armholes and decreases to form the characteristic raglan seams. Cast-off stitches are used to bind off sections during the raglan shaping process.

Materials

The recommended yarn is Hayfield Baby Blossom DK, a double knit weight yarn supplied in 100g balls. The Round Neck Sweater is worked in shade 363, while the Roll Neck Sweater uses shade 362. Yarn requirements vary by size: smaller sizes (0-3 through 9-12 months) require 1 ball each, while the two largest sizes (12-18 and 18-24 months) require 2 balls each.

Needles required include:

• 4mm (UK8 – USA6) 40cm Circular Needle for initial ribbing
• 4mm (UK8 – USA6) 60cm Circular Needle for the main body
• 3¼mm (UK10 – USA3) 60cm Circular Needle for ribbed edgings
• 4mm (UK8 – USA6) Double Pointed Needles (set of 4) for sleeve shaping
• 3¼mm (UK10 – USA3) Double Pointed Needles (set of 4) for sleeve ribbing

Additional notions include stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points. The recommended tension is 22 stitches over 10 cm (4") in Stocking Stitch using 4mm needles.