Unwrapped by Jody Pirrello

Knitting a top down raglan is probably my favorite way to make a sweater.  There's so much to love -- try on as you go, minimal finishing, and once you get past the yoke it feels like the rest flies by.

But, traditional raglan shaping can be lacking in good fit -- especially if you're short or wear a larger size.  The armholes get too long, the sleeves get too wide and you're left looking frumpy.

This pattern addresses those fit issues.  The yoke is a just a bit more complicated than most top-downs -- the increase rate varies to take into account how a woman's body is really shaped and the armholes and sleeve widths are designed to fit our standard measurements.  Check the schematic and custom fit yours if you need a little more here and a little less there.  I've included 14 sizes in hopes of giving you a good basis to start.

Don't let the length of the pattern intimidate you -- it's not because it's complicated but because I've spelled out directions for each size to make it easier.  In the few places where each size differed greatly, I wrote out the sizes separately.  Ah the joys of publishing on the web.

Sizes

To fit bust: 28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54)"
Length: 24.75 (24.75, 25.5, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5, 26.5, 26.75, 26.75, 27.25, 27.25, 27.5, 27.5, 27.75)"

Yarn

Sublime Soya Cotton (50% cotton, 50% soy; 120 yd [110m] / 50g ball): color #80 Indigo, 6(6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11,12) balls

Needles

US #5 (3.75 mm): circular needles - 24" or 32", depending on size.

Gauge

22 sts and 28rows = 4 inches (10cm)

Notions

Tapestry needle; stitch holder; cable needle (or other small needle to hold a single stitch)