Plymouth Yarn Men's Top Down Raglan Pullover in Worsted Merino Superwash

Plymouth Yarn Men's Top Down Raglan Pullover in Worsted Merino Superwash

What Is Being Made

This is a men's pullover sweater designed in five sizes to fit chest measurements from 40 ½" (small) through 54 ¾" (extra-extra-large). The garment features a classic raglan construction with a crew neckline and features a cable panel detail. Back length ranges from 28 ¼" to 30 ¼" depending on size, with consistent sleeve length of approximately 19 ½" to 20".

Construction Method and Techniques

This pullover is worked seamlessly from the top down in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern begins at the neck and progresses downward, with increases worked at the raglan lines to shape the armholes and create the sleeve cap. The garment uses a top-down raglan construction, which allows for easy customization of length and provides excellent fit control throughout the knitting process.

The pattern incorporates short-row shaping at the front neck to create a curved neckline and raise the back neck by approximately 1". This advanced technique uses wrap-and-turn (w&t) methods worked over 8 rows, ensuring a professional-looking neckline with proper depth and shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater features multiple stitch patterns:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main body fabric
• 2x2 ribbing (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches) creates the neck ribbing for stretch and recovery
• Cable panels provide textural interest and visual detail throughout the design

The cable panel is worked from a chart, with all chart rounds read from right to left. Increases for the raglan shaping are strategically placed using make-one (m1) increases positioned on either side of stitch markers at each raglan line.

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern calls for Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash yarn in color 77 Slate Blue. Yardage requirements range from 700 grams (seven 100g skeins) for the smallest size to 1000 grams (ten 100g skeins) for the largest size, providing ample yarn for the complete garment.

Needles required include US Size 6 (4mm) and US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in both 16" and 32" lengths, plus double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working small circumferences. Additional notions include six stitch markers (four in one color and two in another color for easy identification), two stitch holders for holding stitches, and one cable needle for working the cable stitches.

Gauge Information

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies:

• 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US Size 7 (4.5mm) needles after blocking
• 22 stitches over 4 inches in 2x2 ribbing on US Size 6 (4mm) needles when slightly stretched
• 30 stitches over 5 ½ inches in the cable panel on US Size 7 (4.5mm) needles after blocking

Swatching and blocking before beginning the project ensures accurate fit and proper drape of the finished sweater.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is written for the smallest size with larger sizes indicated in parentheses throughout. When only one number appears without parentheses, that measurement or instruction applies to all sizes. The construction begins with casting on 100 to 112 stitches at the neck, depending on size, and progresses with regular raglan increases until the desired chest measurement is achieved. The seamless, in-the-round construction makes this an excellent project for knitters seeking to develop their skills in advanced shaping techniques.