Noro Raglan Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Raglan Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Noro Raglan Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater featuring a classic raglan sleeve construction. This garment is designed as a wearable piece that combines structured shaping with the distinctive aesthetic of Noro yarns. The cardigan is suitable for a range of sizes and skill levels, with detailed instructions provided to guide knitters through the entire construction process.

Raglan Sleeve Construction and Design

The raglan style is a key design element of this cardigan. Raglan sleeves are characterized by diagonal seams that run from the underarm to the neckline, creating a distinctive sloped shoulder line. This construction method is popular in knitwear because it allows for comfortable arm movement and a flattering fit across the shoulders and chest. The raglan shaping is typically achieved through strategic decreases worked at regular intervals throughout the body and sleeve pieces.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Raglan decreases: Decreases are worked along the raglan lines to create the characteristic diagonal shaping from armhole to neckline
• Ribbing: Ribbed sections are commonly used at cuffs, hem, and button bands to provide elasticity and a finished appearance
• Seaming or seamless construction: Depending on the pattern approach, pieces may be seamed together or worked seamlessly using circular needles
• Button band finishing: A button band is worked to accommodate closures along the front opening

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Noro Raglan Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure. Stockinette stitch typically forms the main fabric body, providing a smooth, classic appearance that showcases the beautiful color variations in Noro yarn. Ribbing in knit and purl combinations is used strategically at edges and openings to add elasticity and prevent curling. The pattern instructions specify exact stitch counts and row gauges to ensure proper fit and drape.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern is designed to be worked with Noro yarn, a premium Japanese brand known for its distinctive multi-colored variegated colorways and unique fiber blends. Noro yarns are celebrated in the knitting community for their complex color transitions and quality construction. The specific yarn weight and yardage requirements are detailed in the pattern instructions to ensure you have adequate materials for completion.

Knitting needles appropriate to the yarn weight are required, with needle size recommendations provided in the pattern to achieve the specified gauge. Proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements and fits correctly.

Pattern Source and Design Credit

This pattern is from Catwalk Two, a Noro Design publication featuring knitwear designs by Jenny Watson. The pattern was photographed by Glen Pearson and is published by Knitting Fever, Inc. (KFI). This pattern is intended for personal use only and represents professional knitwear design suitable for knitters seeking a classic, well-constructed cardigan project.