Tidal Lace Raglan Sweater Free Pattern – Ocean-Inspired Knit Pullover

Dive into the soothing rhythm of the sea with this airy, lace-paneled raglan sweater. The gradient yarn mimics shallow water meeting deep ocean, creating a wearable piece of coastal calm. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills, but with clear instructions and written-out lace, even confident beginners can tackle this stunning pullover. The seamless top-down construction means minimal finishing, and the result is a relaxed, slightly oversized sweater with a beautiful ombre effect that transitions from seafoam green to deep teal.

Whether you're dreaming of ocean breezes or simply want a unique, textured layering piece, this sweater delivers. The lace panel on the front evokes cascading waves, while the stockinette body keeps the project manageable and cozy. Let's get started on creating your own coastal masterpiece!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. This pattern uses worsted weight yarn in three shades to create the ombre ocean effect, but you can easily customize with your own color palette.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in 3 shades:
  • Color A (Seafoam): Approx 200 (220, 240, 260) yds
  • Color B (Aqua): Approx 200 (220, 240, 260) yds
  • Color C (Deep Teal): Approx 200 (220, 240, 260) yds
• Total yarn needed: approx 600 (650, 700, 750) yds

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle for the neckline and yoke
• US 7 (4.5 mm) 32-inch circular needle for the body (or magic loop)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves (or a long circular for magic loop)
• Stitch markers (at least 8)
• Waste yarn or stitch holders for sleeves
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

20 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished sweater fits as intended. Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked top-down, seamlessly. The lace panel is written out row by row, so no chart reading is required. Follow the instructions carefully, and use stitch markers to keep track of your raglan sections.

Sizes & Measurements

Sizes: XS (S, M, L)
Finished chest: 34 (38, 42, 46) inches
Yoke depth: 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5) inches from cast-on
Body length: 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from underarm
Sleeve length: 16 (17, 18, 19) inches from underarm

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• k: Knit
• p: Purl
• pm: Place marker
• sm: Slip marker
• M1L: Make 1 left (increase)
• M1R: Make 1 right (increase)
• yo: Yarn over
• k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
• BOR: Beginning of round

Getting Started: The Yoke

Step 1: Cast On & Ribbing
With Color A (Seafoam) and the 16-inch circular needle, CO 88 (96, 104, 112) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for BOR. Work in k1, p1 rib for 1 inch. This forms the crew neckline.

Step 2: Set-Up Round
This round establishes your raglan lines. Follow this sequence carefully:

• K14 (15, 16, 17) for left back, pm
• k2 raglan, pm
• k14 (15, 16, 17) for left sleeve, pm
• k2 raglan, pm
• k28 (30, 32, 34) for front, pm
• k2 raglan, pm
• k14 (15, 16, 17) for right sleeve, pm
• k2 raglan, pm
• k14 (15, 16, 17) for right back

You should have a total of 88 (96, 104, 112) sts on your needles, with 8 markers (including BOR) separating your sections.

Step 3: Increase Round
*Knit to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1, sm, k2, sm, k1, M1R; repeat from * around. This increases 8 stitches per round (one on each side of each raglan line).

Step 4: Continue Increases
Repeat the increase round every other round (i.e., knit one plain round, then one increase round) until the yoke measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with an increase round. You will have approximately 176 (192, 208, 224) sts total. Note: The number of stitches will vary slightly depending on your gauge and size, which is perfectly fine.

Inserting the Lace Panel

Once you have completed 4 increase rounds (i.e., after the yoke has grown a bit), you will begin working the lace pattern on the front section only. The back and sleeves remain in stockinette stitch.

Lace Panel Instructions (worked over center 20 sts of front):
On the front section only (between the raglan markers), work the following pattern over the center 20 sts. Keep all other stitches in stockinette.

• Row 1: K2, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k2 (20 sts)
• Row 2: Purl all sts
• Row 3: K3, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, k2tog, k3
• Row 4: Purl all sts
• Row 5: K4, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k4
• Row 6: Purl all sts
• Row 7: K5, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k5
• Row 8: Purl all sts
• Row 9: K6, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k6
• Row 10: Purl all sts

Repeat rows 1-10 for the lace panel. Continue working the lace on the front only, while the back and sleeves stay in stockinette. The lace panel will naturally flow with the increases, creating a beautiful cascading wave effect.

Dividing for Body and Sleeves

Once the yoke is complete, it's time to separate the sleeves from the body.

Step 1: Knit to the first raglan marker, remove marker, and place the next 40 (44, 48, 52) sts (the sleeve) onto waste yarn or a stitch holder. Remove the next marker.

Step 2: Knit across the front section (including the lace panel), then remove the marker.

Step 3: Place the next 40 (44, 48, 52) sts (the second sleeve) onto waste yarn. Remove the marker.

Step 4: Knit to the BOR marker. You now have the body stitches on your needle.

Knitting the Body

Step 1: Underarm Cast-On
At the underarm, CO 6 (8, 10, 12) sts on each side to bridge the gap between front and back. This creates the armhole opening.

Step 2: Body Length
Continue working in the round in stockinette stitch, maintaining the lace panel on the front as established. Knit even until the body measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from the underarm.

Step 3: Color Transition
Switch to Color B (Aqua) and knit for 2 inches. Then switch to Color C (Deep Teal) and knit for 2 inches. This creates the ombre ocean effect.

Step 4: Ribbing & Bind Off
Work k1, p1 rib for 1 inch. Bind off loosely to maintain stretch. Tip: Use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method to ensure the hem doesn't pull.

Knitting the Sleeves

Step 1: Pick Up Stitches
Place the sleeve stitches from waste yarn onto DPNs or a short circular needle. Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10, 12) sts from the underarm cast-on edge. This closes the gap and prevents holes.

Step 2: Sleeve Decreases
Knit in stockinette stitch, decreasing 2 sts every 6 rounds (one decrease at the beginning and one at the end of the round, or use a centered decrease under the arm). Continue until the sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19) inches from the underarm.

Step 3: Color Transition
Switch to Color B (Aqua) and knit for 2 inches, then switch to Color C (Deep Teal) and knit for 2 inches, matching the body.

Step 4: Ribbing & Bind Off
Work k1, p1 rib for 1 inch. Bind off loosely. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing Touches

Step 1: Weave in Ends
Using a tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the fabric. Be sure to secure them well so they don't unravel with wear.

Step 2: Blocking
Block your sweater to the specified measurements. Gently stretch the lace panels to open up the pattern and enhance the wave effect. Lay flat to dry. Blocking is essential for achieving the beautiful drape and stitch definition shown in the photos.

Your Tidal Lace Raglan Sweater is complete! Slip it on and enjoy the coastal serenity of your handmade creation. The ombre gradient and delicate lace make this a truly special piece that you'll treasure for years to come.

Happy knitting, and may your stitches always flow like the tide!