Reliable Raglan by Friday Knits

Reliable Raglan

Knitting
November 2025
DK (11 wpi) ?
21 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette Stitch
US 4 - 3.5 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
1013 - 1960 yards (926 - 1792 m)
XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

Pattern coming end of November 2025.

About
The Reliable Raglan is worked seamlessly from the top down and in the round. You’ll begin at the collar before working the yoke, which includes optional German short rows to shape the neckline and raglan increases to form the shoulders. Once the yoke is complete, the stitches are divided at the armholes, and the body is joined to work in the round. The sleeves are then picked up and worked down to the cuffs, allowing you to easily adjust the length as desired.

Skill Level Beginner Level

Techniques
This pattern works the following techniques:
knit, purl, working in the round, 1x1 rib, tubular bind off, short rows, stranded colourwork.

Gauge
21 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 4 mm US 6 needles, blocked.

24 sts and 34 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in 1x1 rib on 3.5 mm US 4 needles, blocked.

If you have more stitches on 4 inches / 10 cm than stated, use a larger needle size; if you have fewer stitches, use a smaller needle size.

Materials
Suggested Needles

  • 4 mm US 6 circular needles 32/40 inches / 80/100 cm, or size to obtain gauge.

  • 3.5mm US 4 circular needles 16, 32/40 inch / 40, 80/100 cm for the 1x1 ribbing.

Suggested Yarn
Samples are made in size XS.

Long Sleeve
Laughing Hens Purely Merino DK, (100% Superwash Fine Merino Wool, 50g, 115 metres / 125 yards).

If you are using this yarn, you will need 9 (10, 11, 11, 12) (12, 14, 15, 16) balls in the Main Colour (MC), and 2 (3, 4, 4, 5) (5, 7, 8, 9) balls of the contrasting colour.

or

DK weight yarn in the Main Colour.
926 (1055, 1157, 1254, 1365) (1373, 1540, 1635, 1792) metres,
1013 (1154, 1265, 1371, 1493) (1502, 1684, 1788, 1960) yards.

Short Sleeve
Laughing Hens Simply Cotton DK, (100% Cotton, 50g, 109 metres / 119 yards).

If you are using this yarn, you will need 5 (6, 7, 7, 8) (8, 9, 9, 10) balls in the Main Colour (MC), and 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) balls of each of the contrasting colour.

or

DK weight yarn in the Main Colour.
467 (600, 654, 706, 782) (836, 890, 961, 1037) metres,
511 (656, 715, 772, 855) (914, 973, 1051, 1134) yards.

Note that the yardage given accommodates for working the measurements given. If you add length or change your colour stripe, you may need more yardage.

Yarn Alternatives:
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK
Drops Lima
Stephen and Penelope Tandem DK

Notions
Yarn needle to weave in ends and work hem.
Stitch markers.
Knitting barber or scrap yarn to place stitches on hold.
Scissors or cutters to cut yarn.