Calculate Raglan Depth

Calculate the perfect raglan sleeve depth for your knitting or crochet project

Calculate Your Raglan Depth

What is Raglan Depth?

Raglan depth is a crucial measurement in top-down raglan sweater construction. It represents the vertical distance from the neckline to the underarm, where the sleeve separates from the body. Understanding and correctly calculating raglan depth ensures your sweater fits properly across the shoulders and allows for comfortable arm movement.

The raglan construction technique was named after Lord Raglan, a British military commander who needed a coat sleeve design that allowed for greater arm mobility. Today, raglan sleeves are beloved by knitters and crocheters for their seamless construction and comfortable fit.

How Raglan Construction Works

In a top-down raglan sweater, you start at the neckline and work in rounds, increasing at four raglan lines that divide the yoke into four sections:

• Front section: The front body of the sweater
• Back section: The back body of the sweater
• Left sleeve section: Forms one sleeve
• Right sleeve section: Forms the other sleeve

As you increase at each raglan line, the yoke grows both in circumference and depth until you reach the underarm measurement.

The Raglan Depth Formula

Raglan Depth = (Final Circumference – Neck Circumference) ÷ (8 × Stitches per Unit) × Rows per Unit

Or simplified:
Stitches to Add per Section = (Body Stitches at Underarm – Neck Stitches) ÷ 4

Raglan Rows = Stitches to Add ÷ Increase Rate

Raglan Depth = Raglan Rows ÷ Row Gauge

Understanding the Calculation

The raglan depth calculation considers several key factors:

1. Chest circumference: Your target finished bust/chest measurement plus ease
2. Neck circumference: The opening at the top of your sweater
3. Gauge: How many stitches and rows you get per unit of measurement
4. Increase rate: How frequently you add stitches at raglan lines

Example Calculation

Let's calculate raglan depth for an adult sweater:

• Chest circumference: 100 cm (with 5 cm ease = 105 cm total)
• Neck circumference: 40 cm
• Stitch gauge: 20 stitches per 10 cm
• Row gauge: 28 rows per 10 cm
• Increase rate: 1 stitch every other row at each raglan line

Step 1: Calculate body stitches at underarm: 105 × (20/10) = 210 stitches

Step 2: Calculate neck stitches: 40 × (20/10) = 80 stitches

Step 3: Stitches to add per section: (210 – 80) ÷ 4 = 32.5 ≈ 33 stitches

Step 4: Raglan rows: 33 × 2 (every other row) = 66 rows

Step 5: Raglan depth: 66 ÷ (28/10) = 23.6 cm

Adjusting Raglan Depth for Different Body Types

The standard raglan calculation works well for average proportions, but you may need adjustments for:

• Broad shoulders: Add extra short rows in the back before completing raglan shaping
• Narrow shoulders: Consider reducing ease or using a shallower raglan depth
• Larger bust: Work additional short rows in the front for better fit
• Petite frames: May need a shorter raglan depth despite chest measurement

💡 Pro Tip: Always try on your work when you think you've reached the right raglan depth! Place the stitches on waste yarn and check that the underarm point falls about 2.5 cm (1 inch) below your actual underarm for optimal fit.

Common Raglan Depth Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring gauge: Always swatch and measure your gauge before calculating
2. Forgetting ease: Include wearing ease in your chest measurement
3. Not checking fit: Try on your yoke before separating sleeves
4. Wrong increase rate: Match your pattern's increase frequency to your calculation
5. Skipping blocking: Your gauge may change after blocking, affecting final measurements

Raglan Depth Guidelines by Size

While individual calculations are essential, here are typical raglan depth ranges:

• Children (2-4 years): 12-15 cm (4.7-6 inches)
• Children (6-10 years): 15-19 cm (6-7.5 inches)
• Teen/Small Adult: 19-23 cm (7.5-9 inches)
• Medium Adult: 23-26 cm (9-10.25 inches)
• Large/XL Adult: 26-30 cm (10.25-12 inches)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my raglan depth seems too long or short?

If calculations give you an unusual raglan depth, check your gauge first. Then consider your body proportions—people with broader shoulders may need extra depth, while petite individuals might need less. When in doubt, try on your work!

Can I modify raglan depth after separating sleeves?

Yes, but it's tricky. If too short, you can add stitches at underarms. If too long, you'll need to rip back. It's best to get it right before separating.

How does yarn weight affect raglan depth?

Yarn weight indirectly affects raglan depth through gauge. Heavier yarns typically have fewer stitches per unit, requiring different calculations. Always use your actual gauge, not generic recommendations.

Should raglan depth be the same for the front and back?

For basic raglans, yes. However, many knitters add short rows to the back for better neck fit, making the back raglan section slightly deeper without changing the overall raglan depth.