Front view of the Karin sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's smiling broadly and the sweater is a rose gold colour
Front view of the Karin sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's smiling broadly and the sweater is a rose gold colour
Front view of the Karin sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's standing on a chair, reaching up for a book,and the sweater is a rose gold colour.
Front view of the Karin sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's kneedling on the back of a chair, reading a book,and the sweater is a rose gold colour.
Front view of the Karin sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's sitting on a chair, reading a book,and the sweater is a rose gold colour.
Karin | Ribbed Sweater Knitting Pattern - Image 6
Three-quarter view of the Karin raglan sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's sitting on the back of a chair, reaching up for a book, and the sweater is a rose gold colour.
Side view of the Karin sweater, modelled by Natalie, the designer. She's standing up looking out of a window, partially lit by the sunshine, and the sweater is a rose gold colour.
Cuff detail of the Karin sweater
Raglan shaping detail of the Karin sweater, lit by autumn sunlight.
Eleven skeins of non-superwash worsted yarn are arranged in a colour gradient. This yarn was dyed by Karin Maag-Tanchak, after whom the Karin sweater is named.
Eleven skeins of non-superwash worsted yarn are arranged in a colour gradient. This yarn was dyed by Karin Maag-Tanchak, after whom the Karin sweater is named.
The Karin sweater, gently folded on a futon and lit by autumn sunlight.
Karin | Ribbed Sweater Knitting Pattern - Image 14

Karin | Ribbed Sweater Knitting Pattern

£12.50

Karin is for the knitter who knows that true luxury lies in the fit, and that the most rewarding projects are the ones where your expertise and the design’s logic meet in a perfect seam.

Are you a seasoned knitter who loves the idea of a top-down, seamless raglan, but constantly struggles to get that ideal fit? You’ve mastered the convenience of knitting in the round, yet those beautiful sweaters just don’t seem to drape quite right on your unique body.  But what if I told you that the key to unlocking your best-fitting sweater, the one that truly flatters your shape, lies just beyond your comfort zone?

Meet the Karin Sweater, designed specifically to be the answer to your raglan fit problems. The short row shaping darts across the shoulders is a revelation in garment knitting, and create the anatomical fit that seamless patterns lack.  See the testimonial below, it’s true!  With seamed construction, the benefits for achieving a truly custom fit are undeniable, and I’ve made the process incredibly approachable.

The magic of the Karin Sweater lies in its thoughtful shaping details. Unlike many seamless raglans that offer limited adaptability, the Karin’s construction allows for precise shaping that respects every curve and contour of your body. This means no more baggy underarms, no more unflattering pulls across the bust – just a tailored fit that makes you feel incredible.

The Karin Sweater features an easy, intuitive seed stitch rib pattern that will quickly become second nature, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rhythm of your needles. You’ll be able to knit this beautiful sweater without constant concentration, even while enjoying your favourite TV shows.  And the cowl neck variation offers a touch of 20th century glamour to the everyday without sacrificing the leisurely comfort of raglan styling.

Imagine the sheer happiness and pride when you finally slip on your finished Karin Sweater. It’s perfectly shaped, beautifully draped, and feels like it was made just for you – because it was.  The generous sleeve length and full cuffs provide a sense of cocoon-like luxury, while the tailored raglan ensures you look effortlessly polished, even on your most casual days.

And that sense of accomplishment from achieving a superior fit?  That’s an emotional win that will boost your knitting confidence for every project to come, and remind you exactly why you invested the time and effort into mastering mattress stitched seams.  The Karin Sweater is a reminder of how you can feel in your hand knits when you draw from your well of knowledge and experience.

 

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Description

Karin offers the best of both worlds: a highly-engineered construction for your analytical side, and a rhythmic seed-stitch rib that allows your mind to rest while you knit.

This classic ribbed sweater knitting pattern is named and designed for Karin Maag-Tanchak (pronounced kaa-riin), the talented dyer and creative talent behind The Periwinkle Sheep.  My tribute to her is an elegant design with two neckline options.

The moss stitch rib is a classic texture perfect for showcasing yarns with outstanding colour, recovery and depth, such as Karin’s portfolio of bases.  The kettle dyed effect is absolutely stunning.

If you’ve been disappointed by badly fitting raglans, or raglans uncomfortable at the neck, you’re in safe hands here.  This seamed design incorporates tailoring and short row shaping to guarantee a good fit through the upper arm and shoulder.  Many raglan sweater patterns do not redistribute enough ease through the sleeve, and with Karin you can work exactly the short row shaping required for your unique shape.  You’ll never fidget with your neckband again!

Testimonial for the Karin ribbed raglan sweater knitting pattern, via Instagram: "I'm a fan of raglans in general but the short rows in your Karin sleeves improve the fit ENORMOUSLY! I haven't knit my own yet, but I tried on my mom's and it's just perfect. Congrats on designing/publishing such a fantastic sweater!"

Karin ribbed sweater | Construction details

Karin is knitted from the bottom up in pieces.  This makes the project more portable and the seams add stability to the ribbed fabric and raglan style of the sweater.  Both neckline variations (cowl and crew) are worked in the round for a smooth, seamless finish.

The moss stitch rib is an easy two-row repeat, so there’s no need to follow a chart.  Plus, the fully-fashioned raglan shaping adds a pretty detail.  Karin’s generous sleeve length is perfect for slipping over your hands, and the full cuffs add beautiful drape.  This is a sweater to reach for on cold days, not to mention a perfect sofa project.

Special Techniques for the Karin ribbed sweater pattern

  • Directional decreasing (ssk, sssk, k2tog, k3tog, ssp, sssp, p2tog, p3tog)
  • Make 1 style increases (M1L, M1R)
  • German short rows

The Karin ribbed sweater knitting pattern is available in 12 sizes.  Please see the schematic drawing for further sizing information.

Yarn choices for the Karin raglan sweater pattern

The sample was knitted in The Periwinkle Sheep NSW merino worsted, Rose Gold, 100g, 215yds/196m.  Sadly, this yarn is no longer available, but all is not lost!  YarnSub is a brilliant website for finding alternatives, and here are a few suggestions I gave to a recent customer:

Alternative yarns for the Karin ribbed sweater knitting pattern

  • Hey Mama Wolf Skadi –
    This yarn has more squish than the original Periwinkle Sheep yarn, and a bit more definition.  The composition is the same (100% merino), but it isn’t kettle dyed, so won’t have the same tonal effect.  I like this yarn a LOT.  I’ve yet to knit a garment in it, but I have really enjoyed using it for swatching.  Textures look beautiful in this yarn.
  • The Urban Purl Wonderful Worsted –
    Leila’s yarn usually has a lot of colour effects, so this is a higher impact choice depending on your chosen colourway.  There are some more subtle ones that won’t fight with the ribbed texture (this is her gallery).  This is a superwash 100% merino wool yarn.
  • Rowan Kid Classic –
    This is available from so many outlets.  I don’t have a swatch of this to hand, but this yarn is another favourite.  It does contain mohair (70% lambswool, 22% mohair, 8% polyamide); that’s the only drawback if you’re allergic or find that fibre uncomfortable, but it is lovely and lightweight, has amazing meterage, and has a bit of a halo too.
  • Rowan Pure Wool Worsted –
    I haven’t tried this yarn, but it looks like a good option.  It’s another superwash wool and looks very smooth, so the stitch definition will be stronger than the original yarn.
  • Isager Soft Fine –
    A very lightweight and halo-ed option that’s mohair-free.  I admit, I haven’t yet knitted with this specific yarn; just its heavier sibling, Eco Soft – but I liked that a lot and want to try the finer weight.

What happens after I checkout?

After checking out, you’ll be emailed a digital PDF file of the Karin sweater pattern. If you also chose to create an account, the pattern will be stored in your account area for safekeeping. I recommend downloading the pattern immediately and saving it to your chosen computer or device for safekeeping.

You then have the choice of either printing out the pattern or reading it from your mobile device – whichever suits you best. And if you get stuck along the way, you can contact me anytime via email!

Karin | Ribbed Sweater Knitting Pattern

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