Steps for a Perfect Fit

Have you ever found a sweater pattern that you’ve loved, but you wanted to make a few changes to it? In this video, sweater designer Corrina Ferguson gives an overview on how to make changes to a sweater pattern so that you can achieve the perfect fit.

Corrina begins by looking at the schematic for the Halaine Tee, a pattern available in the pattern shop. She looks at the schematic and reviews the meaning of the different measurements. She notes that for most patterns if you want to make changes to the sweater, significant calculations may be involved. She then shares her tips and tricks to make some simple changes to get the desired fit for your sweater.

One simple change that can be made to a sweater is the length. If there is a stitch pattern, you’ll need to make sure that you are maintaining that pattern while working extra rows. If there is waist shaping, make sure the increases and decreases are worked gradually. Try to maintain the rate of increase and decrease as much as possible. You can also work in additional waist shaping as needed for your body type.

If wanting to change the sleeves, that is typically a fairly simple change as well. If working a sweater with short sleeves, not much shaping is required of the sleeve as long as it is staying above the elbow. If changing a sweater from short-sleeved to long-sleeved, you’ll need to work out shaping from the elbow to the wrist.

Corrina ends the video with an important reminder – making changes means changing the amount of yarn needed. If you’re adding length and/or width, more yarn is needed. While there is a lot of math and calculating that can be involved to get a perfect fit for your sweater, there are some simple steps you can take to make the sweater of your dreams!

Related Pattern: Halaine Tee

Related Videos: How to Knit a Ruffle Tee, How to Knit the Flower Knot Stitch