The Heirloom Houndstooth Raglan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Classic Two-Tone Pullover

Introducing the Heirloom Houndstooth Raglan

Knitting a classic raglan pullover gets a sophisticated upgrade with this timeless houndstooth pattern, worked in two contrasting colors for a striking, modern heirloom piece. This free pattern guides you through creating a cozy, textured sweater with a perfect fit, from the ribbed cuffs to the elegant crew neck. Whether you're looking for a new wardrobe staple or a thoughtful handmade gift, this sweater is designed to be both beautiful and comfortable.

Materials Needed

To create this classic two-tone pullover, gather the following materials. All yarn amounts are based on Aran weight yarn in two contrasting colors.

• Yarn: Aran weight yarn in two contrasting colors. Color A (main color): 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) skeins. Color B (contrast color): 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) skeins. Suggested: Wool-Ease by Lion Brand or similar.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles (24-32 inch length), plus double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves in both sizes.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Always check your gauge for best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) – Finished chest: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) inches.

Abbreviations: CO = cast on; K = knit; P = purl; K2tog = knit two together; SSK = slip slip knit; PM = place marker; SM = slip marker; M1L = make one left; M1R = make one right; St(s) = stitch(es); RS = right side; WS = wrong side.

Pattern Notes: The houndstooth pattern is worked in stranded colorwork. Carry the unused yarn loosely across the back. The sweater is worked top-down in the round for seamless construction.

Yoke

With smaller needles (US 7) and Color A, CO 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5 inches. Switch to larger needles (US 8).

Set up raglan increases: PM for beginning of round. PM after 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts (left sleeve), after 28 (29, 30, 31, 32) sts (front), after 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts (right sleeve), after 28 (29, 30, 31, 32) sts (back).

Increase Round (RS): *K to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * around (8 sts increased).

Work increase round every other round 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) times total. At the same time, begin houndstooth pattern on the 5th increase round as follows:

Houndstooth Pattern (worked over an even number of sts):
Round 1: With Color A, *K2; repeat from *.
Round 2: With Color B, *K2; repeat from *.
Round 3: With Color A, *K1, P1; repeat from *.
Round 4: With Color B, *P1, K1; repeat from *.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 for pattern. Work pattern across front and back only; sleeves are worked in stockinette with Color A.

After completing all raglan increases, you will have 224 (244, 264, 284, 304) sts. Divide for body and sleeves: Place sleeve sts (48, 52, 56, 60, 64) on holders. CO 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts under each arm. Join front and back (112, 120, 128, 136, 144 sts).

Body

Continue in houndstooth pattern on front and back (now in the round) until piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inches from underarm. Switch to smaller needles (US 7) and work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

Place sleeve sts on larger DPNs (US 8). Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts from underarm. Join in the round. Work in stockinette with Color A, decreasing 2 sts every 6 rounds (K2tog at beginning of round, SSK at end) until 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts remain. Continue until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19, 20) inches from underarm. Switch to smaller DPNs (US 7) and work K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the specified measurements to even out stitches and set the houndstooth pattern. Your Heirloom Houndstooth Raglan is now complete and ready to wear or gift!