The Salt-Spray Raglan Pullover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Oversized Sweater

Introducing the Salt-Spray Raglan Pullover

Embrace the serene beauty of the coast with this oversized, textured raglan pullover. Featuring a unique combination of slipped stitches and gentle lace panels that mimic the ebb and flow of the tide, this sweater is the perfect layering piece for a relaxed, seaside-inspired look. Knit in a soft, heathered worsted-weight yarn, the Salt-Spray Raglan is designed to be both cozy and airy, with a relaxed, slightly boxy fit that drapes beautifully. The central wave lace panels on the front and back evoke gentle ocean ripples, while the sleeves and side panels feature a subtle, woven-like texture created by slipped stitches. Finished with neat 1x1 ribbing at the neckline, cuffs, and hem, this pullover is a joy to knit and wear. Whether you're a beginner looking for a rewarding project or an experienced knitter seeking a meditative knit, this pattern offers clear instructions and a stunning result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. All yarn amounts are approximate and based on the sample size.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. Approximately 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650, 1800) yards. The sample uses Lion Brand 'Heartland' in 'Acadia' (a heathered blue-grey).
• Needles:
  • US 8 (5.0 mm) 32-inch circular needles (for body and sleeves)
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needles (for ribbing)
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (for sleeve ribbing, optional if using magic loop)
• Notions: Stitch markers (including locking or removable markers for lace panels), tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure proper fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Finished Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Finished chest circumference: 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) inches. Choose the size that gives you 4-6 inches of positive ease over your bust measurement.

Stitch Patterns

Familiarize yourself with these stitch patterns before beginning. All patterns are written for flat knitting unless specified otherwise.

1x1 Rib (worked flat or in the round)

All rows/rounds: (k1, p1) across. For an even number of stitches, this creates a neat, stretchy rib.

Wave Lace Panel (worked over 10 stitches)

This panel is worked on the center 10 stitches of the front and back sections. Place stitch markers around these 10 stitches to keep track.

• Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, k2tog, k2, ssk, yo, k2. (10 sts)
• Row 2 (WS): p10.
• Row 3: k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1. (10 sts)
• Row 4: p10.
• Row 5: k2tog, yo, k4, yo, ssk, k2. (10 sts)
• Row 6: p10.
• Row 7: ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k2, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 8: p10.

Repeat Rows 1-8 for the pattern.

Slipped Stitch Texture (worked over an odd number of stitches)

This pattern creates a subtle woven texture on the sleeves and side panels. When working in the round, adjust as noted.

• Row 1 (RS): k1, *sl1 wyif, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): p all.
• Row 3: k2, *sl1 wyif, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
• Row 4: p all.

Repeat Rows 1-4. For in-the-round knitting (sleeves): On even rounds, purl all stitches.

Yoke

The yoke is worked in the round from the neck down. With the larger circular needle, cast on 90 (94, 98, 102, 106) stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round and join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work in 1x1 rib for 1.5 inches.

Set-up Round: *k9 (10, 11, 12, 13), pm, k1 (raglan line), pm, k18 (19, 20, 21, 22) (sleeve), pm, k1 (raglan line), pm, k27 (29, 31, 33, 35) (front), pm, k1 (raglan line), pm, k18 (19, 20, 21, 22) (sleeve), pm, k1 (raglan line), pm, k9 (10, 11, 12, 13) (back).

Increase Round

Work the following increase round every other round 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) times total. This means you will work an increase round, then a plain knit round, then repeat.

Increase Round: *k to 1 stitch before marker, m1L, k1, sm, k1, sm, m1R; repeat from * around (8 stitches increased).

Important: After 4 increase rounds (so after the 4th increase round), begin working the Wave Lace Panel on the center 10 stitches of the front and back sections. Place locking markers around these 10 stitches on both front and back. Work the lace panel as written, continuing the raglan increases on either side of the lace panel. The lace panel will not affect the increase count.

After all increases, you should have 250 (270, 290, 310, 330) stitches.

Separate Body and Sleeves

Knit to the first sleeve marker (this is the beginning of the round). Remove the marker, place the next 50 (54, 58, 62, 66) stitches on a holder or waste yarn for the sleeve. Remove the raglan marker. Cast on 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches for the underarm using the backward loop method. Knit across the front (including the lace panel) to the next sleeve marker. Remove the marker, place the next 50 (54, 58, 62, 66) stitches on a holder for the second sleeve. Remove the raglan marker. Cast on 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches for the underarm. Knit to the end of the back (which is also the beginning of the round marker).

Body

You now have 162 (178, 194, 210, 226) stitches for the body. Continue working in the round, maintaining the Wave Lace Panel on the front and back (center 10 stitches each). Work even (no increases) until the piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inches from the underarm, or your desired length.

Switch to the smaller circular needle. Work in 1x1 rib for 2 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls).

Sleeves

Place the 50 (54, 58, 62, 66) stitches from the holder onto the larger circular needle. Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches from the underarm cast-on edge. Place a marker for the beginning of the round. Total stitches: 56 (62, 68, 74, 80).

Work in the Slipped Stitch Texture pattern in the round. Remember: on even rounds, purl all stitches.

Decrease Round: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1 (2 stitches decreased).

Work the decrease round every 8 (8, 10, 10, 12) rounds 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) times. 44 (48, 52, 56, 60) stitches remain.

Work even (no decreases) until the sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19, 20) inches from the underarm, or your desired length.

Switch to smaller double-pointed needles (or use magic loop). Work in 1x1 rib for 2 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the finished measurements. Gently stretch the lace panels to open them up. Lay flat to dry. Your Salt-Spray Raglan Pullover is complete!