purlJam

# Top-Down Raglan Pullover (Baby Medium) - LK 150

**Technical Editor's Note:** The user requested a *seamless* pattern. However, the LK 150 is a single-bed flat knitting machine. Knitting a seamless tubular sweater on this machine is an advanced technique requiring complex carriage manipulation and is not suitable for beginners.
**Adaptation:** This pattern is designed as a **Top-Down Raglan worked Flat**. You will knit 4 pieces (Back, Front, 2 Sleeves) from the neck down and seam them using Mattress Stitch. This creates the requested raglan look with professional structure.

---

## 1. Specifications

*   **Machine:** Silver Reed LK 150 (or any 6.5mm Mid-Gauge machine).
*   **Yarn:** Standard DK (Double Knit) Weight. Soft acrylic or superwash wool blend recommended for babies.
*   **Tension Dial:** 4.5 (Check gauge; adjust if necessary).
*   **Gauge:** 22 stitches x 30 rows = 10 cm (4") square.
*   **Size:** Baby Medium (Approx. 9-12 Months).
    *   *Finished Chest:* 54 cm (21.5")
    *   *Length:* 30 cm (12")
*   **Difficulty:** Beginner / Intermediate.

## 2. Requirements & Tools

*   **Tools:** 1x2 or 1x3 Transfer Tool, Tappet Tool (Latch Tool), Ravel Cord, Waste Yarn, Tapestry Needle, Weights (Claw weights).
*   **Ribbing:** Method used will be "Mock Rib" or "Latch Tool Rib" (Reforming stitches).

## 3. Top-Down Raglan Construction Overview

1.  **Back:** Work from Neck to Hem.
2.  **Front:** Work from Neck to Hem (identical to back for beginner Boat/Crew style).
3.  **Sleeves (x2):** Work from Shoulder Top to Cuff.
4.  **Assembly:** Raglan seams first, then side/sleeve seams.

---

## 4. Instructions

### PART A: THE BACK

**Step 1: Neck Cast On**
*   **Carriage:** Right (COR). Tension 4.5.
*   Bring **22 needles** to working position (L11 to R11).
*   E-wrap cast on (or use Waste Yarn + Ravel Cord method for a cleaner edge later).
*   Hang cast-on comb/weights.
*   Set Row Counter (RC) to **000**.

**Step 2: Raglan Shaping (Yoke)**
*   *Concept:* You will increase 1 stitch at *each end* every 2 rows to create the diagonal raglan line.
*   *Technique:* Use the 2-prong transfer tool. Move the edge 2 stitches out by 1 needle. Fill the empty needle with the "heel" of the stitch from the previous row (Fully Fashioned Increase).
*   **Action:**
    *   Knit 2 rows.
    *   Increase 1 st at both Left and Right edges.
    *   Repeat this (Inc 1 each side every 2 rows) **19 times** total.
*   **Tracking:**
    *   Stop at **RC 038**.
    *   *Math Check:* [Start 22 sts + (19 incs x 2 sides) = 60 sts].
    *   You should now have **60 stitches** in work (L30 to R30).

**Step 3: Body**
*   Place a marker (small piece of contrast yarn) on the edge stitches at RC 38 to mark the underarm.
*   Knit straight (no increases) until **RC 080**.
    *   *Math Check:* [Total rows 80. Length from underarm approx 14cm].

**Step 4: Hem (Mock Rib or Re-form)**
*   **Option A (Beginner - Mock Rib):**
    *   Change Tension to **T-3.0**.
    *   Knit 10 rows.
    *   Change Tension to **T-8.0** (Loose). Knit 1 row.
    *   Bind off loosely using the latch tool (loop through loop).
*   **Option B (Intermediate - Reformed 1x1 Rib):**
    *   Drop every 2nd stitch down 10 rows and latch back up as a purl stitch.
    *   Bind off.

---

### PART B: THE FRONT

*   **Instruction:** Work exactly as the Back.
*   *Note for Customization:* If you want a lower front neckline, Cast On 10 stitches, increase at neck edge every row 6 times, *while simultaneously* doing raglan increases. For this "Beginner" template, we will use the standard Boat/Crew neck (identical to back) which is safe for babies.

---

### PART C: SLEEVES (Make 2)

**Step 1: Top Cast On**
*   Bring **12 needles** to working position (L6 to R6).
*   E-wrap cast on.
*   RC **000**.

**Step 2: Raglan Shaping**
*   Use the same Fully Fashioned Increase method as the Body.
*   Increase 1 st each end every 2 rows, **19 times**.
*   Stop at **RC 038**.
*   *Math Check:* [Start 12 sts + (19 incs x 2 sides) = 50 sts].
*   You now have **50 stitches** (L25 to R25).
*   Mark edges for underarm.

**Step 3: Sleeve Taper**
*   Reset RC to **000** (optional, or continue counting). Let's Reset to 000 for clarity.
*   You need to decrease width to fit the wrist.
*   **Action:** Decrease 1 st at each end every **5 rows**.
*   Repeat this **10 times**.
    *   Dec at Rows: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.
*   *Math Check:* [Start 50 sts - (10 decs x 2 sides) = 30 sts].
*   Work even until **RC 055**.

**Step 4: Cuff**
*   Change Tension to **T-3.0**.
*   Knit 10 rows (approx 3cm).
*   Bind off loosely or reform for ribbing.

---

## 5. Finishing & Assembly

1.  **Blocking:** Steam block all 4 pieces flat before sewing. Do not press heavily on the ribbing.
2.  **Raglan Seams:** Pin the diagonal edge of a Sleeve to the diagonal edge of the Back. Sew using Mattress Stitch. Repeat for all 4 raglan seams (Sleeve-Front, Front-Sleeve, Sleeve-Back).
3.  **Side & Sleeve Seams:** Sew from the bottom hem, up to the underarm, and continue down the sleeve to the cuff in one continuous seam.
4.  **Neckband:**
    *   You have a raw cast-on edge at the neck (22 sts back, 22 sts front, 12 sts sleeve tops).
    *   Re-hang the open loops of the neckline onto the machine (approx 68 sts, easing in slightly).
    *   Knit 6 rows at Tension 3.5.
    *   Bind off loosely.
    *   *Alternatively:* Pick up stitches with hand knitting needles and knit 1x1 rib for 2cm.

## 6. Fit Customization Guide
*   **Oversized:** Knit the "Raglan Shaping" section for 4-6 extra rows (2-3 extra increases).
*   **Length:** Add rows in the "Body" section between underarm and hem.
*   **Fitted:** Use Tension 4.0 instead of 4.5 (will make the whole garment smaller).