Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Tip - What's my Sweater Size?

People are often confused when it comes to knowing which size to make in a particular pattern. Often people will look at the small (medium, large) sizing options and just assume that since they usually wear a medium, that’s the size they should make. This is definitely not the way to choose your size. It’s very important to look at the Finished Measurements listed for the garments.

Patterns will always give a Finished Measurement, and often a suggested “To Fit” Measurement. The one you really want to pay close attention to is the Finished Measurement.

First of all, you should measure your chest/bust. Next, decide how you want your sweater to fit. This will determine how much “ease” you need to build into the sizing.

If you want a very-close fitting garment, you would take your chest/bust measurement and add zero inches, or possibly subtract a couple of inches. This would give you “negative ease”, and result in a body hugging garment.

If you want a close fitting garment, you would add 0-2 inches to your chest/bust measurement.

If you want a standard fitting garment, you would add 2-4 inches to your chest/bust measurement.

If you want a loose fitting garment, you would add 4-6 inches to your chest/bust measurement.

Choose the Finished Measurement offered that is closest to the measurement you come up with.

Another way to approach choosing a size is to measure the chest/bust of a garment that you already own and love the fit of, and just go with that number.

Questions??? Please stop by The Naked Sheep Knit Shop and ask! We're here for you!

For more information on sizing/standard body measurements and other helpful things, check out this cool website: http://www.yarnstandards.com/sizing.html

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this information! I need to make a sweater for my son but was uncertain what Finished Measurement I'd need. Your post has answered my question perfectly!