Adapting a pattern to fit me, but how?

Amithea wrote

on Feb 11, 2008 3:51 AM

Hello,

I've been drooling over several gorgeous crochet sweater patterns and I'd make them if I only could overcome one problem. The sizes.

See, usually my waist size goes perfectly with the medium sizes but my bust? Not so much, they barely match with the large pattern and I have no clue on how to adapt it so it'll fit me. If I take the larger size it'll look frumpy and if I take the smaller there will be a lot of squishing and discomfort.

Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with this?

Love,

Amithea.

PaulineL wrote

on Feb 11, 2008 3:30 PM

Lily Chin's "Couture Crochet" covers this in depth. Another source is Jillian Moreno and Amy Singer's "Big Girl Knits" but you have to translate knitting talk to crochet talk.

Here's an on-line article with good advice, including where to measure, but it's knitting specific again. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/FEATdiyknitter.html Whoa, there may be an article right here on "Crochet Me", http://crochetme.com/articles Search on 'fit', 'adapt', 'alter', or any good word. Or Google the net.

PaulineL wrote

on Feb 11, 2008 8:24 PM

How could I forget Interweave's knittingdaily? It's an almost daily newsletter full of good information, often on how to make sweaters that FIT. Back issues are on-line.

Today's letter is another excellent, helpful article on sizing and ease, both positive and negative. http://www.knittingdaily.com/posts/gloves_mittens/352-1.html#readcomments You have to register to receive it by email, maybe to read it on-line, but it's free and registration is painless. The title should be knitting AND CROCHET daily, so don't be scared off by the title.

I strongly recommend checking it all out.

testahome wrote

on Feb 15, 2008 12:09 PM

I think it's easier to decrease than increase. You didn't say which end this top starts from (top or bottom).  If it starts at the top, make the size that fits your bust and then start decreasing in the rows under the bust towards the waist.  Space your decreases out evenly if you are working in the round, or do them on the ends if not.  You can accomplish some very nice shaping this way.

singtesta AT yahoo DOT com 

Susan Testa

Alexandria, VA