Why most raglan sweaters don't fit — and what I changed in my pattern
made by marii
4,339 views
Most raglan sweaters don't fit because of one rule no one questions. Compound shaping changes that — and it's the heart of my first pattern.
This is the episode where Isabella, my very first original design, just went live on Ravelry — built around a varied-rate raglan increase rhythm that actually shapes around real bodies, not a one-size-fits-the-sample average. I walk through what compound shaping is, why the standard every-other-round formula causes most raglan fit problems, and how that thinking has quietly built itself into six of the original designs currently on my needles.
We also cover Liv Tee finished and looking for test knitters, four works-in-progress at very different stages (Siv waiting for her blocking moment, Ridge mid-redesign, Pearl carrying the leftovers from my wedding dress, and Anne Marie about to go back to her cast-on edge), a brand-new experimental custom-fit summer tee I've been building in Excel for months, and the Markagarn yarn from Oslo Mikrospinneri that came home with me from Bergen Strikkefestival.
00:00 The raglan rule no one questions
01:35 Yellow Zweig and the case for tightly spun yarn
04:26 My first pattern, finally on Ravelry
09:53 Where puff sleeves live or die
14:19 Two WIPs, two design fixed
23:32 Wedding yarn finding a new home
26:01 When ripping back is the right call
31:27 A pattern that builds itself around you — and a yarn looking for a project
If you want the deep dive on actually modifying patterns to fit your body, my Knits That Fit step-by-step guide is the natural next watch from this episode — start there:
How to Modify Knitting Patterns for Your B...
Liv Tee test knit:
https://forms.gle/hPGw8VdqpGX4eVMP8
Siv Cardigan test knit:
https://forms.gle/vkYagLDKsZZCQiKM8
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mar...
Drop your sweater fit struggles in the comments!
*Patterns and yarns mentioned:
Zweig by Caitlin Hunter (Boyland Knitworks)
Isabella Sweater by Made by Marii — live on Ravelry
Liv Tee by Made by Marii — test knitters wanted, link in comments
Siv Cardigan by Made by Marii — test knitters wanted, link in comments
Ridge Cardigan by Made by Marii
Pearl Sweater by Magdalena Parker (Knitonomy)
Anne Marie Cardigan by Made by Marii
Checkerplate Tee by Lily Kate France
Retrosaria Mondim (dyed by La Bien Aimée)
Isager Highland Wool in Sky
Isager Spinni in 42
Fuwa Fuwa Fingering
Moonspun by Moondrake Co. and Spincycle Yarns
Isager Baby Yarn in Color 12
Hillesvåg Vidde
Sandnes Garn Sunday
Through the Wardrobe Yarns Cozy Crime Lace
Hillesvåg Sol (Melert Lys Beige, Rosa, Grønnturkis)
Hillesvåg Tinde in Burgunder
Lille Rille Mot Østen in Rusty Rose and Torii
mYak Baby Yak Silk in Turchese
Oslo Mikrospinneri Markagarn
🧶 Why I Knit
For me, knitting is more than just following a pattern—it's about creativity, self-expression, and making something truly my own. I love adapting designs, playing with Norwegian wool, and experimenting with different knitting techniques to create handmade wardrobe pieces that fit seamlessly into my life. Whether it’s modifying a colorwork sweater, adjusting knitting gauge, or designing my own knitted wedding dress, I believe knitting should bring joy, curiosity, and endless inspiration. Let’s celebrate the art of making together!
✨ Let’s Stay Connected! ✨
📸 Instagram: Instagram: made__by.marii
20 Comments
I am sitting here wondering what to cast on, for the worlds knitting day
I have a crochet pattern, going on for social events 😊
But have been longing for something new and here you are 🎉
I moved from the US to Haugesund and picked up knitting after moving... and gaining a bit of weight after marrying my Norwegian husband (listen, his love of fårikål definitely became OUR love of fårikål!! 😂). Your pattern adjustment tutorials give me such hope in knitting more of my own wardrobe. Which are your favourite yarn stores in Bergen? My husband also has stores he enjoys in Bergen so I imagine we'll pop up for hobby shopping at some point! 💖💖
Why most raglan sweaters don't fit — and what I changed in my pattern
made by marii
4,339 views
Most raglan sweaters don't fit because of one rule no one questions. Compound shaping changes that — and it's the heart of my first pattern.
This is the episode where Isabella, my very first original design, just went live on Ravelry — built around a varied-rate raglan increase rhythm that actually shapes around real bodies, not a one-size-fits-the-sample average. I walk through what compound shaping is, why the standard every-other-round formula causes most raglan fit problems, and how that thinking has quietly built itself into six of the original designs currently on my needles.
We also cover Liv Tee finished and looking for test knitters, four works-in-progress at very different stages (Siv waiting for her blocking moment, Ridge mid-redesign, Pearl carrying the leftovers from my wedding dress, and Anne Marie about to go back to her cast-on edge), a brand-new experimental custom-fit summer tee I've been building in Excel for months, and the Markagarn yarn from Oslo Mikrospinneri that came home with me from Bergen Strikkefestival.
00:00 The raglan rule no one questions
01:35 Yellow Zweig and the case for tightly spun yarn
04:26 My first pattern, finally on Ravelry
09:53 Where puff sleeves live or die
14:19 Two WIPs, two design fixed
23:32 Wedding yarn finding a new home
26:01 When ripping back is the right call
31:27 A pattern that builds itself around you — and a yarn looking for a project
If you want the deep dive on actually modifying patterns to fit your body, my Knits That Fit step-by-step guide is the natural next watch from this episode — start there:
How to Modify Knitting Patterns for Your B...
Liv Tee test knit:
https://forms.gle/hPGw8VdqpGX4eVMP8
Siv Cardigan test knit:
https://forms.gle/vkYagLDKsZZCQiKM8
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mar...
Drop your sweater fit struggles in the comments!
*Patterns and yarns mentioned:
Zweig by Caitlin Hunter (Boyland Knitworks)
Isabella Sweater by Made by Marii — live on Ravelry
Liv Tee by Made by Marii — test knitters wanted, link in comments
Siv Cardigan by Made by Marii — test knitters wanted, link in comments
Ridge Cardigan by Made by Marii
Pearl Sweater by Magdalena Parker (Knitonomy)
Anne Marie Cardigan by Made by Marii
Checkerplate Tee by Lily Kate France
Retrosaria Mondim (dyed by La Bien Aimée)
Isager Highland Wool in Sky
Isager Spinni in 42
Fuwa Fuwa Fingering
Moonspun by Moondrake Co. and Spincycle Yarns
Isager Baby Yarn in Color 12
Hillesvåg Vidde
Sandnes Garn Sunday
Through the Wardrobe Yarns Cozy Crime Lace
Hillesvåg Sol (Melert Lys Beige, Rosa, Grønnturkis)
Hillesvåg Tinde in Burgunder
Lille Rille Mot Østen in Rusty Rose and Torii
mYak Baby Yak Silk in Turchese
Oslo Mikrospinneri Markagarn
🧶 Why I Knit
For me, knitting is more than just following a pattern—it's about creativity, self-expression, and making something truly my own. I love adapting designs, playing with Norwegian wool, and experimenting with different knitting techniques to create handmade wardrobe pieces that fit seamlessly into my life. Whether it’s modifying a colorwork sweater, adjusting knitting gauge, or designing my own knitted wedding dress, I believe knitting should bring joy, curiosity, and endless inspiration. Let’s celebrate the art of making together!
✨ Let’s Stay Connected! ✨
📸 Instagram: Instagram: made__by.marii