Top 5 Raglan Sewing Patterns for Women

I love a raglan sleeve. Or rather, I really hate setting in sleeves so apparently, I’ll go to great ends to avoid them. But raglans: an easier fit for wide shoulders (at least that’s been my experience!), super quick and easy to sew, and I like the styling they provide; a little sporty but not necessarily so. I’ve gathered a few of my favorite raglan patterns from indie sewists here.

Full disclosure: I haven’t sewn all of these. My picks are based on favorable reviews and to show the full range of looks—many not sporty at all!—that you can get with raglan sleeves in both knit and woven fabrics. Here are my picks, in no particular order.

1. Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio: Are you tired of me talking about this pattern yet? I’m fresh off a Linden bender and I’ve got 2 hacked sweatshirts, 3 tees, and a dress to show for it. There’s just so much you can do with this pattern beyond the classic sweatshirt, which I also love!

2. Lane Raglan by Hey June: I haven’t sewn this pattern yet, but it is well-loved in my online sewing circles. There’s the classic three-quarter sleeve version, plus an option with a hoodie. From what I’ve read, the fit is spot on.

3. Sailor Top by Fancy Tiger: Also a favorite in my sewing circles!! A sweet silhouette with gathers and a rounded neckband designed for wovens, this pattern has no sporty undertones, with enough detail to make it special but not too much that it won’t work for an everyday basic.

4. Belcarra Blouse by Sewaholic: Another option for wovens, people! Yes! The silhouette is pretty classic, and one version offers sweet pleats across the top of the shoulder. The samples on the Sewaholic site don’t look sporty at all—the drapey fabrics look quite upscale!

5. Marthe Blouse by Republique du Chiffon: Also for wovens and a resident on my to-sew-someday list for far too long! This design has zero sporty flavor and the peplum is downright dainty.

Read more on my Linden Shirt hack and see my version of raglan tops.