step by step sweater
Rayan Khaled
The “Step by Step Sweater” is a popular, free, beginner-friendly knitting pattern designed by Florence Miller (Handmade by Florence). It is worked seamlessly from the top down using a simple raglan construction, making it ideal for anyone knitting their very first garment.
Pattern Overview & Specs
- Cost & Access. The written PDF pattern is completely free to download on Ravelry and is paired with a full-length, follow-along video tutorial on YouTube.
- Yarn Weight. Uses Aran / Heavy Worsted weight yarn (such as Drops Nepal or similar wool blends), which knits up quickly and shows stitch definition clearly.
- Needles. Requires 4.5 mm circular needles for the ribbing and 5.5 mm circular needles for the main body and sleeves.
- Gauge. 16 stitches x 20 rows equals 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) in stockinette stitch.
- Sizing. Covers a wide size range (XS through 5XL) with a relaxed, comfortable fit.
Step-by-Step Construction
Whether you follow Florence Miller’s specific pattern or build a standard top-down raglan sweater, the process follows five main stages:
- Collar. Cast on stitches in the round using smaller needles and work in 1×1 or 2×2 ribbing. You can make a single crew neck or a taller folded turtleneck.
- Optional Short Rows. Work a few German short rows across the back neck to raise the back of the collar slightly so the sweater sits comfortably without choking.
- Raglan Yoke Increases. Switch to larger needles and place stitch markers at four raglan “seam” points. Increase stitches on either side of these four markers every other round until the yoke reaches your underarms.
- Separate Body & Sleeves. Place the sleeve stitches onto scrap yarn or stitch holders, cast on a few stitches under each arm, and knit the torso straight down in the round until you reach your desired length, finishing with a ribbed hem.
- Sleeves. Move the held sleeve stitches back onto your needles, pick up the underarm stitches, and knit each sleeve down in the round (decreasing gradually if desired) before finishing with ribbed cuffs.