Raglan Tunic & Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Raglan Tunic & Cardigan in King Cole Fashion Aran

What is Being Made

This knitting pattern produces a Raglan Tunic & Cardigan featuring classic raglan sleeve construction. The design is available in six sizes ranging from 46cm to 71cm (18 to 28 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The pattern offers versatility by presenting both a tunic and cardigan option, allowing knitters to choose their preferred garment style.

Techniques Used

The Raglan Tunic & Cardigan employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. Cable work is a primary feature, with cable panels measuring approximately 4cm (1¾ inches) across. The pattern utilizes cable needles for manipulating stitches to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture of cable knitting. Raglan sleeve shaping is used throughout, which involves decreasing stitches along diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline, creating a seamless transition from body to sleeve. Stitch increases and decreases are employed to achieve proper garment shaping and fit. Side vents are incorporated into the design, adding practical detail and visual interest to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

This pattern combines several fundamental and decorative stitches:

• 1x1 Rib – A classic alternating knit and purl pattern that creates an elastic, fitted fabric, typically used for cuffs, hems, and necklines. The pattern specifies 1x1 rib work for 6 rows in the construction.
• Stocking Stitch (St-St) – The most basic knit stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat fabric surface.
• Double Moss Stitch – A textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence over four rows, producing a bumpy, reversible fabric with visual depth.
• Cable Stitches – Specifically C4B (Cable 4 Back) and C4F (Cable 4 Front), which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, knitting subsequent stitches, then knitting the held stitches. These create the characteristic twisted cable pattern.
• Make One (M1) – An increase technique that picks up the loop between stitches and knits into the back of it, creating a new stitch without leaving a visible hole.

Materials and Tools

The Raglan Tunic & Cardigan is knitted in King Cole Fashion Aran yarn, a medium-weight aran-weight yarn suitable for creating substantial, structured garments. The pattern requires 5mm (US 8) knitting needles, though the specific needle size may be adjusted based on individual tension. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the pattern, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment dimensions. A cable needle is required for executing the cable stitches that feature prominently in the design.

Pattern Difficulty

This pattern is classified as advanced difficulty, reflecting the inclusion of cable work, multiple stitch types, and raglan sleeve shaping. Knitters should have solid foundational skills and experience with cable techniques before undertaking this project.