Nessa Raglan Sweater Knitting Pattern

Nessa is the Vala most known for her dancing, and she is swift as an arrow from the string. Inspired by the joy of her dance on lawns of never-fading green, the Nessa raglan hearkens back to the glory of Valinor, where the Valar dwelt in bliss.

Construction Notes

The Nessa raglan is worked from the bottom up in the round, beginning with a tubular cast-on for the hem and cuffs. After working 1x1 ribbing for the hem, you will begin the colorwork for the body. Sleeve increases shape the sleeve gradually after the ribbed cuff, and body and sleeves are joined after the colorwork to work the yoke in the round. The yoke utilizes compound raglan shaping for a better fit, especially at the underarms. Before finishing the yoke decreases, short rows are worked to raise the back neck before the collar. The collar is worked in 1x1 ribbing and finished with a tubular bind-off. To finish, the underarms are grafted together using Kitchener stitch.

Sizes 
 

(1, 2, 3) (4, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9)

Finished Measurements 
 

Bust - (35.5, 39.5, 43.25) (47.25, 51, 55) (59, 63.5, 67.5)in / (90, 100.5, 110) (120, 129.5, 139.5) (150, 161.5, 171.5)cm 

Upper Arm - (11, 12, 13.25) (14, 15.25, 16.75) (18.25, 20, 21.5)in / (28, 30.5, 33.5) (35.5, 38.5, 42.5) (46.5, 51, 54.5)cm 

See pattern photos for schematic and chart with additional measurements.

Recommended Ease


2-4in (5-10cm) positive ease at bust/chest is recommended, but the pattern can comfortably be worn with more positive ease and not look too baggy.

Gauge 
 

Stockinette in the round - 20.5 sts x 26 rounds = 4in (10cm) 

1x1 ribbing in the round - 26 sts = 4in (10cm) 

Measure gauge after blocking.

Yarn 
 

Sample used 

Little Lionhead Knits NSW DK 

100% NSW Merino (246yds, 100g)

Required yardage / meterage 

Color A - Aspen Gold 

(683, 781, 839) (937, 1042, 1122) (1262, 1362, 1475) yds 

(625, 715, 768) (857, 953, 1026) (1154, 1246, 1349) m 

Color B - The Sound of Pines 

(182, 199, 217) (235, 253, 303) (323, 347, 367) yds 

(167, 182, 199) (215, 232, 278) (296, 318, 336) m 

Color C - Silver 

(143, 158, 174) (189, 205, 252) (269, 291, 309) yds 

(131, 145, 160) (173, 188, 231) (246, 267, 283) m

(Note: I try to always make my yardage suggestions generous, but you may need more than the suggested yardage if you choose certain modifications like extra length in the body and/or sleeves.)

Needles


US 4 (3.5mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge 

Circulars for body and DPNs or long circulars for sleeves and collar

Notions


6 stitch markers (at least two of these need to be locking) 

scrap yarn or stitch holders 

tapestry needle 

blocking supplies

For questions or pattern support, email refractedlightfiberarts@gmail.com

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.

Copyright October 2024, all rights reserved.