Crochet an Easy Top-Down Raglan Sweater
Brenda K.B. Anderson
Class Preview
0:53
- In-depth Instruction; over 194 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Session 1: Introduction
2:40
In this session, Brenda introduces us to her design, the Felicity Raglan. This is a very simple raglan-style sweater that is worked from the top, down in the extended single crochet stitch pattern. This sweater is designed in 8 sizes from 35.75” to 64” finished chest, and Brenda will discuss modifications the you can make to make sure this top fits you.
Session 2: Materials
4:13
Brenda discusses all the materials that are needed for the Felicity Raglan including the pattern download, yarn, hooks, stitch markers and tapestry needle.
Session 3: Determining Your Size
9:41
In this lesson, Brenda shows us how to measure ourselves, and how to use this information to determine the correct size to make. She also gives alternative ways to decide on (or double check) the size that is right for us, including using an existing sweater, and/or using the schematic in the pattern.
Session 4: Understanding The Pattern
11:53
This lesson is for those who need some extra help in understanding how to read a crochet pattern. Brenda walks us through all of the basics, spending a bit of extra time explaining things like how to understand which numbers within the parenthesis pertain to you, and how the repeats in the directions should be worked.
Session 5: Making Gauge Swatch
12:24
Brenda explains why making a gauge swatch is so important. She shows us how to work our gauge swatch in the round for accuracy, and she explains what we should do if our gauge is not matching the gauge given in the pattern.
Session 6: Neck Ribbing
10:26
Brenda demonstrates how to work the ribbing for the neckline of this sweater. This is a very stretchy, elastic ribbing that easily springs back into shape. You will learn how to work in this ribbed patter as well as how to count your rows.
Session 7: Beginning The Yoke: 1 & 2
12:59
This session is for sizes 1 & 2 only. In this lesson Brenda demonstrates how to stitch the ribbing into a tube, how to mark the ribbing, and how to work the first round of stitches in the yoke through both edges of the ribbing. This creates the self-hemmed edge of the neckline.
Session 8: Beginning The Yoke: Sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
8:12
This session is for sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 only. In this lesson Brenda demonstrates how to stitch the ribbing into a tube, how to mark the ribbing, and how to work the first round of stitches in the yoke through both edges of the ribbing. This creates the self-hemmed edge of the neckline.
Session 9: Finishing The Yoke
28:33
Brenda demonstrates how to work the rest of the yoke in this lesson. We place several stitch markers to help us keep track of our increases, so that we do not have to count our stitches. The increases will shape the yoke and allow us to divide for the sleeves in a later lesson.
Session 10: Short Rows
16:09
Brenda explains the purpose of short rows and how they work. She then demonstrates how to add them to the back of the sweater to raise the back neck.
Session 11: Dividing For Sleeves
16:39
Brenda shows us how to add some chains at the underarm and then how to divide for the sleeves. We then continue working the body section until it is the desired length (minus the width of the ribbing that will be added in the next lesson).
Session 12: Finishing The Body
23:14
Brenda demonstrates how to work a join-as-you-go ribbing for the bottom edge of the sweater. This is a great technique to know how to do for future projects as well. Brenda also gives helpful suggestions on how to create the ribbing separately if you would prefer to sew it on instead.
Session 13: Working Sleeves
26:31
In this lesson Brenda leads us through working the sleeves. She begins by demonstrating how to work the first round, picking up some stitches at the underarm area, then she continues through to the ribbed cuff.
Session 14: Blocking And Finishing
9:34
Brenda demonstrates how to weave in ends, and how to close up any small holes where the sleeve meets the body. Next, she shows us how to steam block our sweaters to give them that professional finish, and to add a softness and drape to the fabric.
If you have ever wanted to crochet your own clothes, but you are concerned it will be too hard, or that it will not fit or be flattering, then this is the class for you! When you put a lot of time and materials into a project, you are really invested in the outcome, and you want to look and feel great in it! This class will help you gain confidence in garment making; you will see that it isn’t so hard after all!
Brenda K. B. Anderson designed the Felicity Raglan specifically for those who are new to crocheting garments. In this class you will learn how to make this beautiful sweater to fit your own body. This sweater is sized with a 35.75” to 64” finished chest, and Brenda will give extra tips throughout the class so that you can adjust the sizing if needed (no math required).
You will learn how to read a pattern, how to work the beautiful stitches used, and how to create shaping in the yoke of a classic raglan sweater. Brenda will also teach you how to make simple short rows to raise the back neck for a comfortable fit. You will gain the skills needed to add a join-as-you-go, stretchy ribbing to the bottom hemline and sleeves, which is useful for so many other projects as well! Brenda will take you through every step of creating this sweater, from measuring yourself and choosing a size, through to the blocking process at the end.
This easy sweater is worked from the top, down so you can try it on as you create it. It is created all in one piece, eliminating any need to sew pieces together; just weave in your ends and you are done!
Join crochet instructor and designer Brenda K. B. Anderson, to learn how to make your very own, handmade raglan sweater, and to begin your journey of crochet garment making!
Brenda K.B. Anderson
Brenda K. B. Anderson crochets, knits, and sews into the wee hours after her kids have gone to bed. She loves designing stuffies that make her laugh, and accessories that beg to be worn over and over again by her friends and family. Brenda is the author of Beastly Crochet and Crochet Ever After and also teaches a Craftsy Class: Crochet Mittens and Fingerless gloves. She has contributed to several books and numerous magazines and is the managing editor of the Creative Crochet Corner. She lives in a little house in Saint Paul, MN where it is sweater weather nine months of the year and blogs about her crafty adventures at Craftsplosion.com.
Bonus materials available after purchase