🧶 How to Knit Raglan Sleeves? A Complete Guide (Even if You're a Beginner)

You've probably seen those sweaters or cardigans that fit perfectly on the shoulders, with a slanted line that runs from the neckline to the armpits. ✨ Well, these are the famous raglan sleeves .
It's a technique we love at Knit-sis, because it combines modern style, comfort and ease (yes yes, we promise, even for beginners it's accessible 🧵).

In this article, we'll show you step by step how to knit raglan sleeves , share our tips tested on our own models, and give you project ideas to get you started. At the end, you'll leave with a handy cheat sheet to keep on hand 💡.

What is a raglan sleeve?

The raglan sleeve is distinguished by a particular construction: the seam (or line) starts from the neckline and runs diagonally down to the armpits. This gives:

▪️ A more natural fall on the shoulders

▪️ Optimal comfort (we love the cocoon effect 🥰)

▪️ Great freedom of movement

👉 For knitters, raglan is often knitted top-down (from the collar down), which avoids seams and allows you to try on the garment as you go.

How to Knit Raglan Sleeves? (Step-by-Step Method)

1. Cast on the collar stitches

We start with the neckline . Depending on the pattern, we cast on a defined number of stitches and then divide them into 4 sections:

▪️ Front left

▪️ Left sleeve

▪️ Back

▪️ Right sleeve

Sister tip 🧑🤝🧑: when we knitted our very first raglan, we tended to get the markers mixed up... Our advice: use different colored markers for each sleeve and for the back. It makes all the difference.

2. Place markers and raglan lines

The famous raglan increases are made on each side of a marker.
Classic example: knit to marker, yarn over, pass marker, yarn over, continue .

👉 Result: stitches increase by 8 each round (2 per section).

💡 Variation : some patterns offer inclined increases (M1L / M1R) for a more discreet effect than yarn overs.

3. Knit in the round with regular increases

Continue the rounds by knitting the main stitch (stocking, ribbing, pattern) while increasing on each side of the markers at regular intervals .
Little by little, your sleeves and your body take shape, as if by magic ✨.

4. Separate the sleeves from the body

When the sleeve reaches the correct length under the armpit, place the sleeve stitches on hold (on a thread or cable), then continue knitting only on the body.
👉 This is where we see the true silhouette of the vest or sweater appear.

Knit-sis tip: we always keep a fitting at this stage, just to check that the cut fits well on the shoulders. (We still remember our first “failure”, with sleeves that were too short 😂).

5. Knit body + sleeves

▪️ Body : continue straight ahead to the desired length, possibly with ribs at the bottom.

▪️ Sleeves : pick up the stitches left on hold, knit them in the round with decreases to adjust the width.

👉 And there you have it, your first homemade raglan sleeves ! 🎉

To remember ✨

▪️ The raglan is constructed in 4 sections with increases at the markers

▪️ The top-down method allows you to try along the way

▪️ A well-made raglan = comfort + style + zero seams ✂️

What patterns can I knit with raglan sleeves?

To put into practice what you have just discovered, here are our Knit-sis favorites:

▪️ 🥕 Cardichou : the soft and easy raglan cardigan, perfect for a first project

▪️ 🌈 Festi : a modern and accessible vest, which highlights the raglan construction

▪️ 🍃 Doudou (free) : a cozy sweater ideal for learning without stress

👉 You will find other inspirations in our collection of modern vests.

Common mistakes to avoid when knitting a raglan

❌ Forgetting a marker

Result: asymmetry and irregular line.
✅ Tip: Always recount your stitches before/after each increase.

❌ Do not adjust the depth of the raglan

A raglan that's too short = tight shoulders. Too long = drooping armholes.
✅ Tip: Test regularly and adjust. That's the whole point of top-down.

❌ Do not block your work

Blocking (washing + shaping) reveals the regularity of the increases.
✅ Useful little external tutorial: Why block your knitting? (Knitting for Olive)

Conclusion: Ready to knit your raglan sleeves?

As you can see, raglan is a technique that is as beautiful as it is rewarding , and above all, accessible even for beginners. At Knit-sis, we like to share it because it symbolizes what we prefer about knitting: creating something beautiful, with patience and complicity 💕.

👉 So why not get started today with the pattern Cardichou ?
And if you want to receive even more practical sheets and tips from sisters , subscribe to our happy knitting newsletter (I promise, no spam, just stitches and smiles 🧵✨).