Problems with sizing and Fit!
This is taken from the Crochet World newsletter I thought I would post this bit of information here, as it is would be so helpful in knowing this information when working on projects.
Problems With Sizing & Fit
Readers often ask about various problems with sizing and fit in crocheted garments. Here is some information that you might find beneficial if you have had similar concerns.
Fitting Garments Correctly
Often the hardest part about crocheting a garment is getting it to fit. Even if you choose to work the pattern to the same size you wear in a ready-made garment and you check your gauge carefully as you go, it doesn't always ensure that the end result will fit correctly.
Keep in mind that the sizing of crocheted garments differs slightly from the items you purchase at a retail store. The key to getting it right is taking accurate body measurements.
Before you begin, measure the person for whom the garment is intended. Measure children around the chest, just under the arms. Measure pre-teens around the chest, waist and hips if you are making a long sweater, skirt or dress. Measure women around the fullest part of the bust, around the waist and hips (approximately 7 inches below the waist). Measure men around the chest, just under the arms.
Although it may differ from your ready-made garments, the bust measurement is the key to successful sizing in women's crocheted garments (except skirts). So, choose the size in the pattern instructions based on that measurement.
Once you've taken accurate measurements, check them against your pattern directions. You may find that while you thought your subject was a perfect size medium, he or she may actually be a size large. Make your adjustments using the measurements as a guide, and you'll find that your garments will fit comfortably and look great.
Increasing Pattern Sizes
Each clothing pattern differs in the yarn weight and hook size required. However, if you study your directions carefully, you will find that there is usually a continuity of increased stitches between sizes. For example: chain 37 for small, 41 for medium and 45 for large to measure 12 (14, 16) inches. In this example, we see that there are four stitches increased in the foundation chain for each size to correspond with the measurements. Also, note that they are all odd numbers: 37, 41 and 45 so it is essential to keep to that for pattern accuracy.
In patterns, size large usually indicates a size 16, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, keeping to this example to bring it to a 20, you add 4 stitches to make it an 18, and another 4 stitches to bring the size to a 20. This section of your work would then measure 20 inches. Measure yourself in the area that the section is designed to fit to see if the measurement is adequate. If it is, proceed; if not, use your measurements, allowing for comfort. Be sure to chain an odd or even number of stitches as directed in the instructions, as the pattern design may depend upon either odd or even numbers of stitches on the first row.
You may find it easier to work from exact body measurements for larger sizes. If you measure yourself correctly and make your foundation chain to correspond, you will have an accurate, comfortable fit.
Measuring Sections to Fit
The proper way to measure a crocheted section is to lay the piece out on a firm, flat surface and measure without stretching. Measure vertically or horizontally only and never around curves. Measure often, especially if you are having trouble. If you correct your problem early on, it's much easier to fix. Also, pay close attention to your gauge and make practice swatches before you begin a project.
Problems With Sizing & Fit
Readers often ask about various problems with sizing and fit in crocheted garments. Here is some information that you might find beneficial if you have had similar concerns.
Fitting Garments Correctly
Often the hardest part about crocheting a garment is getting it to fit. Even if you choose to work the pattern to the same size you wear in a ready-made garment and you check your gauge carefully as you go, it doesn't always ensure that the end result will fit correctly.
Keep in mind that the sizing of crocheted garments differs slightly from the items you purchase at a retail store. The key to getting it right is taking accurate body measurements.
Before you begin, measure the person for whom the garment is intended. Measure children around the chest, just under the arms. Measure pre-teens around the chest, waist and hips if you are making a long sweater, skirt or dress. Measure women around the fullest part of the bust, around the waist and hips (approximately 7 inches below the waist). Measure men around the chest, just under the arms.
Although it may differ from your ready-made garments, the bust measurement is the key to successful sizing in women's crocheted garments (except skirts). So, choose the size in the pattern instructions based on that measurement.
Once you've taken accurate measurements, check them against your pattern directions. You may find that while you thought your subject was a perfect size medium, he or she may actually be a size large. Make your adjustments using the measurements as a guide, and you'll find that your garments will fit comfortably and look great.
Increasing Pattern Sizes
Each clothing pattern differs in the yarn weight and hook size required. However, if you study your directions carefully, you will find that there is usually a continuity of increased stitches between sizes. For example: chain 37 for small, 41 for medium and 45 for large to measure 12 (14, 16) inches. In this example, we see that there are four stitches increased in the foundation chain for each size to correspond with the measurements. Also, note that they are all odd numbers: 37, 41 and 45 so it is essential to keep to that for pattern accuracy.
In patterns, size large usually indicates a size 16, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, keeping to this example to bring it to a 20, you add 4 stitches to make it an 18, and another 4 stitches to bring the size to a 20. This section of your work would then measure 20 inches. Measure yourself in the area that the section is designed to fit to see if the measurement is adequate. If it is, proceed; if not, use your measurements, allowing for comfort. Be sure to chain an odd or even number of stitches as directed in the instructions, as the pattern design may depend upon either odd or even numbers of stitches on the first row.
You may find it easier to work from exact body measurements for larger sizes. If you measure yourself correctly and make your foundation chain to correspond, you will have an accurate, comfortable fit.
Measuring Sections to Fit
The proper way to measure a crocheted section is to lay the piece out on a firm, flat surface and measure without stretching. Measure vertically or horizontally only and never around curves. Measure often, especially if you are having trouble. If you correct your problem early on, it's much easier to fix. Also, pay close attention to your gauge and make practice swatches before you begin a project.
Labels: clothing fit, crochet, sizing
posted by Julie @ 10:14 pm
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