About This Pattern
This is a sweater built from the collar down, no seams needed. I start small, with a ribbed neckline, then let the yoke grow outward in one piece. The raglan shaping handles sleeves and body together, so nothing gets sewn on later. It takes a full evening, maybe two, plus a lap big enough for a growing sweater. Worsted yarn and two hook sizes are all it asks for.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- sc
- single crochet
- dc
- double crochet
Top-down raglan sweater with no sewing required
Ribbed Collar (Smaller Hook)
Start with a slip knot using G-size hook. Chain 9 or desired width.
- Row 1SC in second chain from hook, 7 SC total
- Row 2Chain 1, turn, SC in back loop only across Repeat ribbing row until collar fits over head and stitch count is multiple of fourJoin ends with slip stitch through back loop and starting row
Yoke Setup and Marking (Larger Hook)
Switch to I-size hook
- Round 1SC around collar edge, one SC per row end, divide total stitches by four and place markers at each section, slip stitch to join
Raglan Yoke Increases
- Round 1Chain 3, DC in each stitch until marker, in marked stitch work (DC, ch 2, DC). Repeat at all four markers, join with slip stitchFollowing Rounds: DC in stitches, work (DC, ch 2, DC) in chain spaces, continue until yoke reaches underarm
Creating Armholes
- Round 1Chain 3, DC to first chain space, place DC in chain space, chain desired number for armhole, skip sleeve stitches, DC into next chain space, repeat for other side, slip stitch to join
Body
Continue DC rounds until desired length Switch to smaller hook for hemline Chain 9, SC down Join to body with slip stitch or decrease if needed
Flip and SC in back loop only, repeat around hem Join ends with slip stitch, fasten off
Sleeves
Attach yarn at armpit chain space
- Round 1Chain 3, DC around sleeve, decrease before and after armpit chain space, slip stitch to join
Tapering Pattern
- Round 1Two decreases at armpit
- Round 2One decrease at armpit
- Round 3Regular DC
- Round 4Two decreases at armpitRepeat tapering until sleeve is shaped, then continue DC until desired lengthAdd ribbed cuff using same method as hemline
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check your worsted yarn is enough for three skeins before casting on.
- Have both hooks ready, G for ribbing, I for the body.
- Read the Raglan Yoke Increases round once before starting the markers.
Minutes per piece
- Ribbed Collar about 30-40 minutes, because fit takes trial rows
- Yoke, Sleeves, and Body about 3-5 hours, because raglan shaping needs steady marker checks
Other yarns that work
- cotton blend, worsted weight Less stretch in the ribbing, so chain 9 collar may need extra width. Drape is heavier, good for a structured, fitted result.
- acrylic-wool blend, worsted weight Softer drape and more stretch at the collar and cuffs. Hook sizes stay the same, but swatch first for warmth under the arms.
Where it ends up
- A layering piece over a t-shirt for cool mornings at the kitchen table.
- A travel sweater, roomy enough to pack flat in a bag.
- A gift sweater, sized up or down from the same collar chain.
Small notes
- Four stitch markers mark the raglan lines. Move them up each round so the increases stay stacked.
- Keep tension even across the yoke rounds. A tight raglan line pulls the sleeve caps out of shape.
Little questions
Can I make this sweater oversized?
Yes, add more chain-9 width to the collar before joining. Just keep the final stitch count a multiple of four for the markers.
Do I need to sew anything at all?
No, the raglan yoke joins sleeves to body as you go. The sewing needle is only for weaving in ends.
Why does the pattern use two hook sizes?
The smaller G hook keeps the collar, cuffs, and hem snug and ribbed. The larger I hook keeps the body and sleeves looser and faster to work.
What if my stitch count isn't right for four markers?
Add or remove a few collar rows until the total divides evenly by four. This keeps the raglan increases symmetrical at each marker.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/how-to-crochet-raglan-sweater-pattern-made-top-down-without-sewing/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
