Modern Raglan Sweater Adjustments to Get a Better Fit
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Have you ever knit a raglan sweater that just didn't fit, even if you met gauge? Maybe you had a raglan cardigan that kept falling off your shoulders? Or maybe it was a pullover that had extra fabric in the armpits? Why does this happen? What’s the solution? And how do you find patterns with these solutions in them? These are the questions I'll be answering in this video.
Share your favorite modified raglan sweater patterns in the comments below!
Video Outline
0:00 Intro
0:40 The Basic Top Down Seamless Raglan Structure Explained
2:32 The Two Main Problems:
4:47 5 Modern Adjustments:
10:13 How to Find Modified Raglan Patterns
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A comment in defense of raglans: My first raglan was knit over 40 years ago as a young woman in Minnesota. That extra room under the arms was wonderful for cross country skiing, allowing full range of motion of the shoulders and arms. For anyone who loves to hike, especially with hiking poles or desires that extra range of motion for outdoor activities, a raglan can’t be beat. I still have a raglan pullover with pockets that I knit all those years ago for walking with the dog. That was before short rows so the pattern had the knitter working back and forth at the beginning, slowly casting on additional stitches to the ends, then casting on for the last front stitches and continuing in the round.
I have always wondered why so many patterns tell you to crochet the front and the back exactly the same way. I am definitely not the same shape or measurements in the front and the back. However, since I am new to crocheting tops and sweaters, I really don’t understand all of the changes that you were recommending. At this point, I would have to rely on a designer doing this for me. I did look at the Aztec sweater by nomad stitches, and it doesn’t mention any special modifications being made to the sweater to make it fit better, but it also does not mention the word Raglan. However, I am reluctant to believe that just because the word raglan is missing that it means the sweater is guaranteed to fit properly. Thanks for this video. It has definitely got me thinking but I am a long way from truly understanding and implementing the different modifications on my own.
wow i would not even get these gems of instructions in paid lessons at the local crafting store. things like that are far easier after a well done description session like this one here! i will be watching this vid over and over again as i take on various of sweater and pull over projects. I cannot thank you enough. you are the best!
Italians have very good videos about top down raglan and I also can recommend Tatting blossom, subtitled in engl
Oh girrrrl, this video is SO helpful. I am an intermediate knitter and want to expand out to understand why my beautiful, expensive yarn often knits up into sweaters that don’t fit well at all. Very annoying! I’ve managed to figure out the too deep armhole problem on tank tops but the whole ill fitting chest/neck situation was so mysterious. So thank you so much for this video. 🎉
OMG I hate the extra bulk under the armpit! Just made a sweater with that issue! Thank you!
Yes! All the things that I have found going haywire in a raglan pattern. Thanks for explaining.
Very informative indeed, but I need visuals or a step by step tutorial :P
I've been doing this intuitively without even thinking! In the beginning of the video I was thinking " but wouldn't the imbalance between front and back be fixed by adding more stitches to the underarm?" and that very moment you got into it 😂. Thank you so much for this vid, it's important for a best fitting garment
Right!? I’m starting to see more patterns adding these modifications and it makes me so happy!
Thank you so much for this resource. I will be watching this several times to absorb it. It is so hard to find information on the where and why to do increases to make sweaters and cardigans fit.
Thanks for all the tips. The one that is most elusive for me is to modify the depth of the raglan, aka the depth of the yoke. I quite like the drape of extra fabric, but cannot bear it when the underarm (armscye) falls low on my body. I've knitted a couple of raglan sweaters now, 1 top-down, 1 bottom up and pieced, where the underarm of the raglan runs nearly to my waist. As a tailor, I'm not keen on the current 'oversize', and prefer a neat fit. My holy grail would be a neatly fitted top-down raglan sleeve. I can do the back, neck and bust shaping, no problem.
This has really helped me figure out how to make raglans fit. I find most patterns have an armhole that’s is too deep and a back that is too voluminous. Thank you so much for explaining this. You are one of 2 videos out there. Awesome👏
I am so glad you found this video useful!!
I found this useful, too, and you have me wondering what the other video is that you refer to.
Amanda this was so informative and helpful!! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this video! Off to look for some patterns, will come back and list what I find 🤞🏻👍🏼 💓
Thank you Tracey! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I was on the hunt for how to design a good-fitting raglan and stumbled across all of this great info and just had to share it! I wish I had known this before!
I wish I’d known about these issues with raglan cardigans before I made mine. I’ve tried everything, after the fact, to stop it from dropping off my shoulders. But because it isn’t shaped right it drops and I’m always tugging. I’m debating ripping it out and making another.
Very glad I listen, very good information that I was trying to figure out. Thank you
Thank you. This video was so helpful! It was like a giant light went on for me. You explained perfectly. Excited to check out some more from your channel.
I'm so glad the video was helpful for you, thank you!
This is incredibly informative! I have very very narrow shoulders. I have found that the raglan increases increased too fast and then I end up with the big old baggy arms. I didn't know why until I saw your video. So thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful! After making this video I’ve found that there are some people that this shape fits beautifully without adjustments because they do actually increase at the same rate 😅, but I’m in the same category as you are and I felt like no one was talking about this struggle, particularly with cardigans!
Great video. Verry Helpful!
Very interesting and informative thankyou xxx
Very nice video, it would be great if you use already made, exactly examples for all tose raglan modifications.
Great Video, thanks!
Thank you for this video! Very clear and informative. If you ever need inspiration to make another video like this: could you explain about circular yoke sweaters, and modifications to make them fit better? I love these types of designs but cannot get them to fit me well enough for actually wearing... sadly...
This video was very informative. I always have too much fabric at the back and didn’t know how to fix.
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Excellent info, has given me the confidence to try a top down sweater again. My first attempt was terrible!
Me too 🥴🥴
You may want to look at a new channel that popped up on my feed a few weeks ago. “Crochet by Fabio” Like you he takes the time to educate and teach. I want seamless pullover patterns that I can crochet for all the guys in the family. Patterns for me and my daughters are all over CZcams but good patterns my husband, adult sons, son in law and grandson are harder to find. Thank you for this great information! Keep making quality content!
I have been experimenting with my first raglan design and this was so helpful! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I subscribed!😊
I'm so glad it was helpful! I look forward to seeing your design! I designed a modified raglan but I haven't gotten it tested yet, but it fits so much better than the traditional style already!
@@MandobugCrafts it sounds good :D I eventually decided to crochet a flat design this time...let's see if I will ever attempt a modified raglan 😁
I am just trying to crochet my first pullover and the pattern has a raglan sleeve with 4 chain increase at the arm hole I am a big busted gal and I would like this pullover to be wearable should I proceed with this pattern? Great info thank you soooooo much!!!@@MandobugCrafts
Where is the cocoknits method of raglan shaping? I don't see it in the book(viewed online) and there are reviews which says that book is VERY hard to follow (in english at least) - nor do I see anything about raglan shaping on their website. Link??? (thank you!) And also (#2) the term "compound raglan" results in 0 patterns on Ravelry =:-\\\
So helpful! Thank you… I’ve found raglans to be the first sweaters I feel somewhat happy with but the bulky back bothers me. Would love to hear how to get rid of that… do you just make the raglan with less stitches in the back so it’s not exactly a square?
Is there a video demonstration?
Dear Amanda: I would love it if you explained the "Cocoknits method" in more detail, maybe making a tutorial of a knitted sweater.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Camila! unfortunately I don't feel comfortable doing that. The Cocoknits method is one that Julie Weisenberger created and dedicated an entire book to. You'll have to buy her book to learn more about the method.
@@MandobugCrafts Ok Amanda. Thanks anyway for your answer. Have a nice day!
Great video! I'm currently working on the "Go To Raglan" by Stephen West and it definitely is a modified raglan and I'm loving it. I split for arms last night and am happily going for it on the body atm. Was super pleased to note the short rows and arm and neck shaping appear to look good compare to your examples. This is my second full raglan knit and It looks so much better than my first which was not modified. So worth it. Thank you!
I love Stephen’s shawl patterns! It sounds like his raglan will fit like a dream! I’ll have to add that one to my queue!
@@MandobugCrafts I haven't tried a shawl pattern yet but I am in love with the Painting Honeycombs one. Maybe I'll feel confident enough to try that after I finish this sweater. I just taught myself to knit a couple months ago, but man, do all those years crochet experience help so much!
Beautiful Modified Raglan Sweaters & Cardigans
"Aztec", "Mosaic" sweaters by Nomad Stitches (paid)
"Metropolis" Cardigan by Lilla Bjorn (paid)
"Dandelion Crop Cardi" by We Crochet (free)
"Primrose Sweater" by Outstanding Crochet
🥰Beautifully Constructed Honorable Mentions🥰
"Dreamscape" by Expression Fiber Arts (paid)
"Lau Cardigan" by Linda Skuja (paid)
"Leaf Yoke Sweater" by Outstanding Crochet (paid)
Any crochet or knit luxury sweaters&cardigans by MYPZ (paid)
Those are all beautiful sweaters but if I'm not mistaken, they look like they are all have a circular yoke construction - where increases are placed even around the circumference of the increase row, unlike a raglan construction that has increases in the same four locations
@@MandobugCraftsahhh I understand now🥴 sorry for posting misinformation..I can delete the post to detour confusion for future viewers. I always thought top down and raglan were the same, until you explaining. Take care❣
Yes I have. I like contiguous set in sleeve shirts and sweaters. B(L)ack to Life by Isabell Kreamer, edie by Esabell. And many others who do contiguous set in sleeves. Coco knits method sweaters. Many others. Road construction terms listed on pattern page to help prevent from buying patterns you will never use. I have so many of those. I wish I could sell them all back to the designer at 1/2 to 1/4 return cost. I'm willing to loose half of the cost not all. Because Ibwas mislead to believe when I bought the pattern itveould be usable and enjoyed by me. But I get to trying them on and am disappointed. I frog it or try to redesign to fit and Im not a designer but the thing that's helped the mode is an adjustable mannequin so I can shape my sweaters on it and make fitting close. GAME CHANGER ALL THE WAY.
Ysolda knits!
Informative video! You've got a new subscriber! What is the formula to convert any crochet stitch into a raglan yoke? I have shied away from a recently purchased pattern because I can't for the life of me wrap short rows around my mind...I get why, but after a few attempts my project looks distorted or I'm off count. Any tips or tutorials to point me to? Also just purchased your book recommendations. Thanks again🥰
Welcome! Thanks for subbing! I do not have a lot of experience working crochet short rows. I've only ever done them and used them in knitting patterns so unfortunately, I don't have a good resource to share with you for that technique. When it comes to making any crochet stitch a raglan, it's a lot to try to explain in a comment here but I'll try. It depends on your stitch and row gauge. The number of increases you have to do at each increase point is equal to the number of stitches you need to increase to minus the number of stitches you started with, divided by the number of rows it will take you to do it, then divide that by the number of increase points. To determine the number of stitches you need to get to, think about what your sweater looks like before dividing, you have the stitches for your front bust, cross back, and the tops of both arms, so that is the total circumference you are after, because after separating the body from the tops of the sleeves you'll be adding the underarm width which will add to both the body and the sleeve at each armpit so you'll want to make sure those measurements are not included for that portion. The Vogue Knitting Ultimate book has a great visual breakdown in it, someone needs to make a crochet version of that book!
@@MandobugCrafts WOW! Thank you so much! I'm about to hunt that book down ASAP! I can't wait to get to the point where I'm comfortable with comprehension and application of these formulas to bring fruition my personal style.
Hello! You talk about knitting then about fabric, this video is about sewing a sweater? Or knitting \crocheting a sweater? I’m confused
You can make a raglan square, rectangular or circular. I have. Made many that are extremely comfortable.
You can make a sweater any shape you want and in any “fit” you want. This video is specifically about raglan shaping and a fit that silhouettes your body (compared to something boxy) What defines something as raglan is it’s shape. Raglan shaping is not circular. Circular shaping is called a circular yoke construction.
I was saying that I would have noticed that. Unfortunately I have severe arthritis in my hands which makes typing a message difficult.
I'm crying, I wish I saw this video befor starting my knit dress 🥲🥲🥲 Will do better next time haaaa thank you so much for the great infos!
Still all "greek" to me. I've never crocheted a raglan sweater, but I'm going to need complete instructions.
Thank you for the recommendations, and next video drink a glass of water!
They fit great! Those ugly drops leave things have folds in the upper arms and fit horribly. Raglan sleeves look good on everyone.
Drop shoulder sweaters sure do have their downsides as well! That’s a good idea for another video topic.
Is there a crocheted raglan pattern that uses this technique
I don't know of any, but I am working on designing my own! So far it's going well. Can't wait to get the first cardigan into testing.
the dandelion crop cardi on Ravelry by we crochet
Thank you, I just looked at that pattern and it's too challenging for a beginner lol. @@satsumamoon
Want a knitted sweater to fit better? Knit flat. Simple.
I have always wondered why so many patterns tell you to crochet the front and the back exactly the same way. I am definitely not the same shape or measurements in the front and the back. However, since I am new to crocheting tops and sweaters, I really don’t understand all of the changes that you were recommending. At this point, I would have to rely on a designer doing this for me. I did look at the Aztec sweater by nomad stitches, and it doesn’t mention any special modifications being made to the sweater to make it fit better, but it also does not mention the word Raglan. However, I am reluctant to believe that just because the word raglan is missing that it means the sweater is guaranteed to fit properly. Thanks for this video. It has definitely got me thinking but I am a long way from truly understanding.