Don't Scrap That Raglan
The pattern your stash of scraps has been waiting for.
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The INSPO
This super versatile, top-down sweater is specifically designed to help you put all those DK scraps to good use.
The simple yet meditative moss stitch encourages your yarn to do most of the talking, while also allowing for some mind-blowing color blocking ideas. The sweater can also be worked up in a single color, for a timeless wardrobe staple.
Consider this pattern your blank canvas and let your imagination run wild!
If using scraps, my recommendation is to make sure the different yarns have similar yardage per unit of weight. My recommendation to my testers was that the yardage difference between yarns should not exceed 20 m per 100 g. If you don’t have the yarn labels anymore, you can put the different strands side by side and see if they’re similar enough in thickness. If you’re feeling extra frisky, you can even measure the WPI of your scraps – I have a short and to-the-point tutorial for this on my Cosmopolitan Sweater blog post. This will produce a nice, even fabric for your scrappy sweater!
Check out this free PDF printable template for a DIY set of crochet hook size labels!
The design
The Don’t Scrap That Raglan is a modified raglan, which means that the raglan lines are modified and shifted to ensure a better fit at the underarm.
The sweater is worked in turned rounds from the top down, featuring short rows to raise the back neck and make the sweater sit nicely on your back.
The body and sleeve length are easily adjustable, and the pattern provides instructions for both ribbed, and simple hem, cuffs and collar. You can mix & match a ribbed hem with a simple collar, or skip the ribbing on the hem but keep it on the cuffs if you like!
A blank canvas for your scrap yarn
Detailed PDF pattern
15 pages of step-by-step instructions & tutorial photos
Row tracker with all row & stitch counts for every size
What you'll need
Any DK weight yarn in the amounts shown below
6 mm (J) and 5 mm (H/8) hooks
Tape measure, scissors, darning needle, 8 stitch markers
Size-inclusive
Written for 9 sizes (XS-5X)
Includes instructions on customization
Pattern support
Please contact me at thecrochethighway [at] gmail.com for pattern related questions.
The pattern
The printable PDF pattern includes clear instructions and a bunch of tips & tricks and tutorial photos, leaving no guesswork for you. Among the concepts detailed in the pattern are how to work the short rows and how to add the sleeves to the body. I classified this pattern as “intermediate”, but you can easily complete this pattern with flying colors as an upper beginner, if you’re willing to take on a bit of a challenge!
The pattern also comes with a detailed round tracker, laying out the stitch count not only for every single round in every single size, but also the stitch counts for each individual raglan panel. This way, even if you have never made a modified raglan before, you can easily check your stitch count and track your progress at any time. This will seriously be the easiest yoke you will ever make!
Designer samples
I used Katia Missouri for sample 1, and a variety of scrap yarns from my stash (mostly Schachenmayr Catania and Scheepjes Catona) for sample 2. Please note that the scrappy version was made first, and the solid color version includes some improvements in terms of fit at the underarm and sleeve shaping.
Size 3
Mostly Schachenmayr "Catania" and Scheepjes "Catona", 100% mercerized cotton
13 WPI
50 g = 125 m / 136 yds
Sizing
FINISHED BUST MEASUREMENTS
XS – 33.25”
S – 37.25”
M – 41.5”
L – 44.75”
XL – 49.75”
2X – 53.75”
3X – 57.25”
4X – 62.25”
5X – 65.5”
The sizing for this pattern is based on the standard Craft Yarn Council (CYC) measurements.
This sweater is designed to be worn with 5–15 cm (2-6″) of positive ease around the bust.
Measure around the fullest part of your bust and add 5–15 cm (2-6″) to this measurement. Choose a size that is closest to this number, depending on your desired amount of positive ease. If you’re in between sizes, size up.
Yardage
You’ll need 1140 (1230, 1370, 1510, 1690) (1920, 2100, 2290, 2470) m or 1250 (1350, 1500, 1650, 1850) (2100, 2300, 2500, 2700) yds of DK weight yarn.
Tried & tested substitution yarns
Use a plant-based fiber for a nice and light-weight sweater or tee perfect for spring! Or go for something cozier like wool to keep you toasty warm and ready for the colder season. Choosing a fiber blend with some acrylic thrown into the mix will ensure the sweater won’t get too heavy.
Looking for inspiration or yarn substitution ideas? Here’s a list of yarns my testers used and loved for their own Don’t Scrap That Raglan!
- Berroco Vintage Baby
- Berroco Vintage DK
- Cygnet DK
- Ganga Acrowools Olivia
- Gazzal Baby Cotton XL
- Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo
- Hobbii Tweed Dreams
- King Cole DK
- Knit Picks Gloss DK
- Knit Picks Provinical Tweed
- Lion Brand Coboo
- Lion Brand Truboo Sparkle
- Paintbox Simply DK
- Premier Nordica
- Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo+Cotton
- Stylecraft Special DK
- Vardhaman Cotone
- WeCrochet CotLin
- WeCrochet Kindred
- Yarn Bee High Lights
Indie dyers:
Pro tip! When gauge swatching, always crochet a swatch bigger than 10×10 cm (4×4″) — the larger the swatch, the more accurate your results! You can also get an idea of the drape your yarn will create based off of your gauge swatch.
Check out my testers' versions
My patterns would not be so smooth without the input of my team of talented testers. Scroll alllll the way to the end of this photo gallery for some inspiration on various colors. Swipe left & right for more photos of your favorite versions!
Want to test my future patterns? Check out how you can become a pattern tester for CrochetHighway!
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