One Piece Raglan Cardigan Knitting Pattern

One Piece Raglan Cardigan in Hayfield Spirit Chunky

What is Being Made

This is a one-piece raglan cardigan designed by Sirdar, knitted from Hayfield Spirit Chunky yarn in shade 432 Passion. The cardigan features a seamless construction with raglan sleeves, meaning the sleeves are increased gradually from the neckline down, creating diagonal seam lines from the armpit to the shoulder. This design approach eliminates the need for traditional sleeve cap shaping and provides a comfortable, modern fit. The cardigan is suitable for intermediate knitters and comes in seven sizes ranging from XS (71–76 cm chest) to XXXL (132–137 cm chest), making it accessible for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

The one-piece construction is the defining technique for this cardigan. Rather than knitting separate pieces and seaming them together, this pattern is worked as a single unit from the top down or in a continuous method, which reduces finishing work and creates a more cohesive garment. Raglan shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked at regular intervals to expand the sleeve cap area, creating the characteristic diagonal lines that extend from the underarm to the neckline. The pattern also incorporates stitch marker usage to help track increases and pattern repeats, and stitch holders are employed to temporarily secure stitches while working other sections. Circular needle knitting is utilized for working in the round, which is typical for seamless garment construction, and double-pointed needles are used for smaller circumferences, such as the neckline or cuff areas where circular needles become impractical.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this cardigan is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. Stocking stitch is formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The pattern also employs rib stitch, evident in the front edging detail described as "(k1, p1)" sequences, which creates an elastic, textured border that helps the cardigan sit neatly and prevents curling at the edges. Decreases using p2tog (purl two together) are incorporated to shape the garment and manage stitch counts during the construction process, particularly visible in the detailed row instructions where multiple decreases are worked across a row to achieve the desired fit and proportions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: This cardigan is designed specifically for Hayfield Spirit Chunky, a bulky-weight yarn. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 5 balls for XS to 9 balls for XXL and XXXL, with each ball weighing 100 grams. The yarn is worked in shade 432 Passion, a rich color option. Chunky-weight yarn creates a dense, warm fabric that works up quickly, making this an ideal project for those seeking faster results without sacrificing visual impact.

Needles: The pattern requires two different needle sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric characteristics. 6½mm (UK size 3, USA size 10.5) knitting needles are used for the main fabric, including a 40 cm circular needle for working in the round. 5½mm (UK size 5, USA size 9) knitting needles are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, creating a tighter, more elastic finish; these include a 40 cm circular needle and a set of double-pointed needles for working small circumferences. This two-needle approach is standard practice in knitting to ensure that ribbed sections remain elastic and don't stretch out during wear.

Sizing and Fit

The cardigan is available in seven sizes with generous sizing options. Chest measurements range from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) for XS to 132–137 cm (52–54 inches) for XXXL. Full length varies from 54 cm (21¼ inches) for the smallest size to 66 cm (26 inches) for the largest, ensuring appropriate proportions across the size range. Sleeve length is relatively consistent across sizes, ranging from 45–48 cm (17¾–19 inches), which accounts for the raglan construction where sleeve length is measured from the center back neck. The pattern includes detailed piece measurements and schematic information to help knitters verify fit before committing significant yardage.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension (gauge) is critical for this