Before we start here is a little bit of some interesting history about the raglan. Quote is from The complete book of Progressive Knitting by Ida Riley Duncan. “Lord Raglan was an English general who distinguished himself in the wars against Napoleon, losing an arm at Waterloo. He always wore an overcoat with sleeves that were roomy at the shoulders and underarm, hence the name raglan”
Believe it or not there is a very easy way to make a sweater to fit everyone no matter what the size. You will of course need to take a few measurements, a gauge swatch and some very easy calculations but don”t worry they are very easy. If you have never knitted a project on circulars, then you are in for a treat. You will not have to piece, match up or sew any thing so that is a huge bonus, right ! On this first page we will talk about the steps we need to take to before you start to knit. On the following pages you have a semi complete size/yarn chart and last but not least a worksheet that you can use over and over again to make other sweaters.
Basic Materials
You will ALWAYS need these basics to create and design your sweater:
Yarn
Circular Needles, 16¨ and 29¨ lengths and double pointed needles. You will need a second set TWO sizes smaller than your main size. For example if you are using size 7 you will also need size 5. The smaller size is used for ribbing and the neck ribbing.
4 markers (3 in one color and 1 in another color)***I do not recommend using yarn***
2 large stitch holders (or you can use yarn)
Tape measure
Calculator
Pencil
Copy of Worksheet (see previous post on Measurements)
Row counter
scissors
Yarn
Remember you are the designer here so you can use ANY type of yarn you want. I want to sort of give you a few guidelines and things to keep in mind. For example I don’t really recommend using a nice silk blend yarn to make a sweater for a 5 year old, not because they don’t deserve nice things, it’s because they are young and things will probably get wiped on it (like dirty hands) or they may play mud pies etc. etc. so make sure you pick appropriate yarn for your sweater. Also keep in mind how you are going to care for it, do you want to wash it in the washing machine, hand wash, dry cleat etc. Please don’t think I am trying to discourage the use of nice yarn, too many times I see students make a beautiful wool sweater, wash it in the washing machine, then in the dryer, and they end up with a nice sweater for a doll. I always buy one more skein than I think I need, you can always use it to make a matching hat or trim.
***Please note that this will be a series of articles, more are coming***
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