Raglan Sweater Calculator
Split a raglan neckline into back, front and sleeves — and count the increase rounds.
Raglan line stitches = the marked column of stitches worn as each seam — usually 1 or 2.
Back
27
Front
27
Each sleeve ×2
11
Back 27, R1, Sleeve 11, R1, Front 27, R1, Sleeve 11, R1 (R = raglan line)
Increase 8 sts every RS round × 37 → body 202 sts (front + back)
At the underarm: Back 101, Front 101, each Sleeve 85 sts
How to use
- Enter your neck cast-on stitch count and how many stitches each raglan line is (1 is common).
- Choose a neck division: Balanced makes front and back equal; Lower front neck puts a few more stitches in the back for a higher front.
- Read the four section counts and the marker setup round — Back, raglan, Sleeve, raglan, Front, raglan, Sleeve, raglan.
- Enter a target chest stitch count to see how many raglan-increase rounds (8 stitches each) get you there.
Good to know
- A raglan increase round adds 8 stitches — one on each side of all four raglan lines — so back, front and both sleeves each grow by 2 stitches per round.
- Neck division varies by design and desired fit; these two presets are sensible starting points, not a substitute for trying the yoke on as you go.
- The target-chest figure is worked from the body (front + back) stitches, since those set the finished chest width. Sleeves are increased at the same time and separated at the underarm.
FAQ
- How many stitches does a raglan increase round add?
- Eight — two at each of the four raglan lines. Back, front and each sleeve gain two stitches every increase round, which is usually every other (right-side) round.
- Should front and back be the same?
- For a simple pullover, equal front and back (the Balanced preset) works well. For a higher front neck, the Lower front preset shifts a few stitches to the back. Shaped necklines use short rows on top of this.
- Is this a full pattern?
- No — it is a planning calculator. It gives you the neck division, marker placement and increase-round count. Fit details like neck shaping and underarm cast-on still come from your pattern or your own try-ons.
- Does this work for crochet?
- Yes — top-down raglan yokes are commonly crocheted. Read each raglan "line" as your increase column; the neck division and the 8-stitches-per-round increase work the same way.