The Velvet Raglan Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Luxe, Textured Cocoon Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Luxury: The Velvet Raglan Cardigan

Imagine slipping into a cardigan that feels like a cashmere cloud—soft, plush, and impossibly cozy. The Velvet Raglan Cardigan is exactly that. This free knitting pattern guides you through creating a sophisticated, oversized silhouette with a unique velvet-like stitch pattern that mimics the look and feel of expensive velvet fabric. The deep mossy green color and large wooden buttons add an effortlessly elegant touch, making this cardigan perfect for draping over a simple dress or your favorite jeans. Whether you're a beginner looking for a rewarding project or an experienced knitter seeking a luxurious new piece, this pattern delivers a stunning, wearable result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The yarn choice is crucial for achieving that plush, velvet-like texture.

• Yarn: Aran weight (10 ply) yarn. The sample shown uses 'Mossy Velvet' – a blend of 70% merino wool and 30% alpaca. You will need approximately:
  • Size S: 1200 yards
  • Size M: 1350 yards
  • Size L: 1500 yards
  • Size XL: 1650 yards
• Needles:
  • US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles with a 32-inch cable (for the body)
  • US 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles (for sleeves, or use a long circular for magic loop)
• Notions:
  • Stitch markers (at least 4)
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • Large wooden buttons (5-7, depending on size)
  • Scissors
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Velvet Stitch pattern (after blocking). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L, XL). The finished chest circumference is 40 (44, 48, 52) inches. Follow the instructions for your size throughout.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together
• p2tog: purl two together
• yo: yarn over
• sl1: slip one stitch purlwise
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• m1: make one stitch (increase by picking up the bar between stitches and knitting it through the back loop)

The Velvet Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 2 + 1)

This 4-row repeat creates the luxurious, textured fabric. Practice on a small swatch first.

• Row 1 (RS): k1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): p1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 3 (RS): k1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
• Row 4 (WS): p1, *p2tog, yo; repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
• Repeat Rows 1-4 for the pattern.

Back Panel

1. Cast On: CO 91 (101, 111, 121) stitches.
2. Work Body: Work in Velvet Stitch pattern until the piece measures 15 (16, 17, 18) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Raglan:
   • BO 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. You will have 83 (93, 103, 113) stitches remaining.
   • Decrease Row (RS): k1, k2tog, work in pattern to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
   • Work 1 WS row even (no decreases).
   • Repeat these 2 rows 28 (32, 36, 40) more times. You will have 25 (27, 29, 31) stitches left.
4. Finish: BO all stitches loosely.

Left Front Panel

1. Cast On: CO 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches.
2. Work Body: Work in Velvet Stitch pattern until the piece measures 15 (16, 17, 18) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Raglan:
   • BO 4 stitches at the beginning of the next RS row. You will have 41 (46, 51, 56) stitches.
   • Decrease Row (RS): k1, k2tog, work in pattern to the end.
   • Work 1 WS row even.
   • Repeat these 2 rows 28 (32, 36, 40) more times. You will have 12 (13, 14, 15) stitches left.
4. Finish: BO all stitches loosely.

Right Front Panel

1. Work exactly as for the Left Front, but shape the raglan at the beginning of WS rows instead of RS rows. This means:
   • BO 4 stitches at the beginning of the next WS row.
   • Decrease Row (WS): p1, p2tog, work in pattern to the end.
   • Work 1 RS row even.
   • Repeat these 2 rows 28 (32, 36, 40) more times.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On: CO 41 (45, 49, 53) stitches.
2. Work Cuff: Work in Velvet Stitch pattern for 2 inches.
3. Shape Sleeve:
   • Increase Row (RS): k1, m1, work in pattern to the last stitch, m1, k1.
   • Work 5 rows even (no increases).
   • Repeat these 6 rows 14 (15, 16, 17) more times. You will have 71 (77, 83, 89) stitches.
4. Work Even: Continue in pattern without increasing until the sleeve measures 17 (18, 19, 20) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape Raglan:
   • BO 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. You will have 63 (69, 75, 81) stitches.
   • Decrease Row (RS): k1, k2tog, work in pattern to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
   • Work 1 WS row even.
   • Repeat these 2 rows 28 (32, 36, 40) more times. You will have 5 (3, 1, -1) stitches. For size XL, after the last decrease, BO the remaining stitches.
6. Finish: BO remaining stitches loosely.

Finishing

1. Sew Seams: Using a tapestry needle and yarn, sew the raglan seams (where the sleeves meet the front and back panels). Then, sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
2. Neckband:
   • With RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 100 (110, 120, 130) stitches evenly around the neckline.
   • Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch.
   • BO loosely in rib pattern.
3. Button Band (Left Front):
   • With RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 1 stitch for every row along the left front edge (the side without buttonholes).
   • Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch.
   • BO loosely in rib pattern.
4. Buttonhole Band (Right Front):
   • Work as for the button band, but on the 3rd row, create buttonholes: work 3 stitches, *yo, k2tog (creates a buttonhole), work 10 (11, 12, 13) stitches; repeat from * across, ending with 3 stitches.
   • Continue in rib for the full 1 inch, then BO loosely.
5. Attach Buttons: Sew the large wooden buttons onto the button band, directly opposite the buttonholes.
6. Weave in Ends: Use the tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side.
7. Block: Gently wet block the cardigan to the finished measurements. Lay flat to dry. This step is essential for achieving the perfect drape and stitch definition.

Your Velvet Raglan Cardigan is now complete! Enjoy the luxurious feel and elegant look of your handmade masterpiece.