Merino XL Chunky Raglan Turtleneck Sweater (Free Knitting Pattern)
Merino XL Chunky Raglan Turtleneck Sweater (Free Knitting Pattern)
Embrace dramatic architectural knitwear with the Merino XL Chunky Raglan Turtleneck Sweater! Knitted with monumental stitches that fly off the needles in just a weekend, this showstopper features a warm sculptural turtleneck, classic diagonal raglan lines, and clean minimalist stockinette fabric.
Crafted with Ice Yarns Merino XL, an ultra-plush blend of 50% merino wool and 50% premium acrylic, this super bulky yarn delivers extraordinary cloud-like softness, rapid progress, and sensational warmth in a striking apple green hue.
Materials Needed & Recommended Yarns
Primary Yarn:
- Super Bulky Merino Blend Option: Ice Yarns Merino XL (50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic; 100g / 3.53oz, 60m / 65yds per ball) in Apple Green.
- Alternative Super Bulky Blends: Explore our Mohair, Angora & Wool Collection or Limited Edition Fall Winter Yarns Collection.
Yarn Category & Weight Links:
Discover more rapid-knit options in our Category 6 Super Bulky Collection and Category 5 Bulky Chunky Collection.
Skein Requirement & Size Calculator
| Size | Bust Circumference (Inches / cm) | Skeins of Ice Yarns Merino XL (100g) | Total Yardage / Meterage |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 28–30" / 71–76 cm | 8 Skeins | approx. 450 m / 495 yds |
| S | 32–34" / 81–86 cm | 9 Skeins | approx. 510 m / 560 yds |
| M | 36–38" / 91–96 cm | 10 Skeins | approx. 570 m / 625 yds |
| L | 40–42" / 101–106 cm | 11 Skeins | approx. 630 m / 690 yds |
| XL | 44–46" / 111–116 cm | 12 Skeins | approx. 690 m / 755 yds |
| 2XL | 48–50" / 121–126 cm | 13 Skeins | approx. 750 m / 820 yds |
| 3XL | 52–54" / 132–137 cm | 14 Skeins | approx. 810 m / 885 yds |
| 4XL | 56–58" / 142–147 cm | 15 Skeins | approx. 870 m / 950 yds |
| 5XL | 60–62" / 152–157 cm | 16 Skeins | approx. 930 m / 1015 yds |
Tools & Pattern Specifications
-
Knitting Needles:
- US 17 (12.0 mm) 24" & 32" circular or straight needles (for main stockinette body and sleeves).
- US 15 (10.0 mm) 16" & 32" circular needles (for chunky ribbed turtleneck, hem, and cuffs).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, 4 stitch markers, waste yarn or stitch holders, tape measure, scissors.
- Gauge: 7.5 sts and 10 rows = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch using US 17 (12.0 mm) needles after blocking.
Size Chart & Finished Measurements
Designed with 3 to 5 inches (8–12 cm) of relaxed positive ease.
| Measurement (Inches / cm) | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Bust | 34" / 86cm | 38" / 96cm | 42" / 106cm | 46" / 116cm | 50" / 127cm | 54" / 137cm | 58" / 147cm | 62" / 157cm | 66" / 167cm |
| Total Body Length | 21" / 53cm | 21.5" / 54.5cm | 22" / 56cm | 22.5" / 57cm | 23" / 58.5cm | 23.5" / 60cm | 24" / 61cm | 24.5" / 62cm | 25" / 63.5cm |
| Sleeve Length | 17.5" / 44.5cm | 18" / 46cm | 18" / 46cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 19" / 48cm | 19" / 48cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm |
Glossary & Abbreviations (US Knitting Terms)
- CO: Cast On
- BO: Bind Off
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- PM / SM: Place Marker / Slip Marker
- BOR: Beginning of Round
- M1R / M1L: Make 1 Right / Make 1 Left (increases)
- K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit two slipped stitches together (decrease)
- RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
Step-by-Step Written Pattern
1. Chunky Turtleneck Collar
Using US 15 (10.0 mm) 16" circular needles, CO 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) sts loosely. PM for BOR and join in the round.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 5.5" / 14 cm.
2. Raglan Yoke Setup & Expansion
Switch to US 17 (12.0 mm) circular needles.
- Marker Placement Round: Place 4 markers to divide stitches into Right Sleeve, Front, Left Sleeve, and Back sections.
- Raglan Increase Round: *K1, M1R, K to 1 st before marker, M1L, K1, SM; rep from * around (8 sts increased).
- Plain Round: Knit all stitches.
Repeat the increase and plain round combination 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) times until reaching 112 (122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, 182, 192) total sts.
3. Separating Body & Sleeves
Transfer sleeve sts to scrap yarn, cast on underarm sts, and join Front and Back stitches into the round (total 66 to 116 sts).
Work body in Stockinette Stitch until 11" / 28 cm from underarm. Switch to US 15 (10.0 mm) circular needles and work K1, P1 ribbing for 3" / 7.5 cm. BO loosely in pattern.
4. Sleeves (Work Both Alike)
Pick up held sleeve stitches and underarm sts onto US 17 (12.0 mm) needles. Work in Stockinette Stitch in the round, decreasing 1 st at each side of underarm every 8th round. Switch to US 15 (10.0 mm) needles for cuffs, work K1, P1 ribbing for 3" / 7.5 cm, and BO loosely.
Blocking & Care Protocol (Merino Wool & Acrylic Blend)
- Weave in Ends: Secure all thick yarn tails carefully on the WS with a blunt tapestry needle without splitting fibers.
- Steam Relaxation Blocking: Lay sweater flat on blocking mats. Hold steam iron 2 to 3 inches (5–7 cm) ABOVE the fabric without touching the yarn directly. Allow steam to relax stitches and shape raglan lines. Leave to dry completely.
