Read Knitting Patterns for Multi-Sized Patterns

14th Dec 2010

knitting

The first part that you have to pay attention to is in the header of the knitting pattern. Here is where the pattern designer tells you which sizes are available.

Usually, the various sizes are shown as in the following examples, all for 5 different sizes:

32 (34, 36, 38, 40)
S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
6 (8, 10, 12, 14)

This format of defining the sizes tells you that whenever you see a sequence of a number followed by 4 numbers in parentheses, you are looking at a multiple-size instruction. If you are making the smallest size, you will use the first number, the one outside the parentheses. If you are making the largest size, then you will use the last number inside the parentheses.

So, if the instructions say “Cast on 90 (95, 100, 105, 110) sts.”, then:

if you are the largest size, cast on 110 stitches.
if you are the fourth size, cast on 105 stitches.
if you are the third size, cast on 100 stitches.
and so on.

One suggestion that will help to make your knitting life go better is to read through your knitting pattern, before you start to knit, looking for every occurrence of the multi-size sequence of numbers. Highlight the one that applies to you. If you are the second-from-the-smallest size, then highlight the first number inside the parentheses.

That’s the basic method for dealing with multi-size patterns.

But there is still one outstanding question: what do those size numbers mean?

A 36 could mean a 36″ bust. Or it could mean the finished size.

And do S/M/L/XL/2XL mean the same as in ready-to-wear?

If you are fortunate, the pattern writer also includes some additional clues as to what the size means.

Some patterns say that the Size refers to the finished size of the garment. Some also include the corresponding chest/bust measurement (if the garment is a sweater). Some patterns will indicate whether the garment is fits loosely or snugly.

But in some cases you are on your own for figuring out what the size number really means.

One method you can use is to take advantage of the gauge specification. But you will need to do a bit of math.

Example:

If the gauge says 20 stitches in 4 inches with Stocking Stitch, and the Back and Front of a Stocking Stitch Sweater each have 100 stitches on the needle just below the armhole shaping, then there are 200 stitches around the chest/bust.

200 stitches is ten 20-stitch chunks, or ten 4-inch chunks, or 40 inches finished size. With the standard of a couple of inches of ease, then if your chest/bust is 38 inches, this will be a comfortable fit. If the sweater is designed to fit snugly, though, it would work with a chest/bust of 42 inches (that’s called “negative ease”).

It’s time to start knitting a garment that’s the correct size.

For more information on learning to read knitting patterns

In only 10 lessons, you can understand a lot about what a knitting pattern is trying to tell you. And an ongoing weekly newsletter will provide even more information on the subject. So check it out.

Author: Judy Obee
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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