How to Divide Stitches for Top-Down Raglan Cardigan (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

· 5 min read · Tutorial · By Chinki

The #1 question about top-down cardigans: how do you divide the stitches? This guide teaches you the universal principle — learn it once, apply it to any size forever.

If you've ever wanted to knit a top-down raglan cardigan but got stuck on how to divide the cast-on stitches between the front, back, sleeves, and button bands — this guide is for you. Chinki explains the core principle using a worked example, and once you understand it, you can apply it to any size.

The Example: 71 Stitches

We cast on 71 stitches (an odd number keeps the first and last stitch symmetrical). The number of cast-on stitches is determined by the neckline measurement for the baby's age or size.

Step 1: Subtract the Button Band

Reserve 7 stitches for the button band on each side. Since one band overlaps the other when buttoned, subtract only 7 once:

71 − 7 = 64 stitches remaining for the body.

Step 2: Divide into Three Parts

Split the 64 stitches equally into three groups:

Step 3: Assign Raglan Stitches

At each of the 4 raglan lines, reserve 2 stitches — these create the visible raglan increase line. These stitches are taken from the sleeves and fronts:

The Final Distribution

Here's how all 71 stitches line up:

Total: 7 + 13 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 21 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 13 = 71 ✓

The Structure

The raglan pattern follows this sequence: Front → Raglan → Sleeve → Raglan → Back → Raglan → Sleeve → Raglan → Front. Increases are made on both sides of each raglan section on every right-side row to expand the garment.

Written by Chinki — Knitting Knife, Himachal Pradesh, India.