I'm yet to make big modifications to a pattern where I need to recalculate stitches etc. The thought of doing that is quite scarey! I've changed things up a bit with length of sleeves or length of the body but those modifications seem easy :) Love your hat pattern.
That sounds like a great start Jodie. And you are doing such a lovely job of knitting up garments that fit you well. They already have a wealth of knowledge about what your preferences are. You'll find yourself modifying things at will very soon, I think. :)
Thank you for this info on modifications. I’ve always wondered what designers think when knitters say they did this and that to the pattern. And I realize not all will think the same.
You put so much work and time into creating patterns, it seems almost flippant for some to say some of what they say. But changing to make it fit a body shape makes sense and requires skills. Or taking a motif from a sweater and putting it into a hat or something. Ideas do beget ideas.
Thank you Jane. What a thoughtful and kind thing to say! I know, as a designer there is a certain attachment to the patterns one creates. But still, there is truly no control over the creations once we let it out in to the world. But all things said, both knitter and designer want a satisfactory knit out of a pattern.
Love your thoughts on being free to change knitting patterns. If I were creating patterns for other people to use, I would include that in the instructions, according to one's own skill level. Perfectly okay for new knitters to stick to the written instructions. That only makes sense to me. But once you get the basics down, let yourself grow! An example that cropped up for me early on with sweater designs is that I have narrow sloping shoulders. A lot of my early knitting was done during the time of oversized garments Some with knit-in shoulder pads! And of course, many had 'off the shoulder' shoulder/sleeve seams. These were fun and even attractive styles for many women. But they really did nothing for me. With a lot of reknitting as I learned to cut patterns down to my shape, and I eventually came to a much better understanding of how to measure and preplan what needed to be done to cut the armholes and shoulder seams down to fit me! This makes such a difference in the finished appearance. I am not above using a serger to alter store bought and even hand knits to get the fit for me! But when I knit my own sweaters, I create the pieces with my body shape in mind. Hope this will free others to make their knits, their own!
Sandy, thank you for sharing this. That's the kind of modifications I am talking about. I love that you have figured out your unique preferences. have heard similar stories about drop shoulder garments. The sizing standards give a good foundation, but that's about it. An individual may not fit into all measurements in a particular size. I am glad more patterns are written to make the neck and shoulder area fitted for drop shoulder garments.
Glad my post made sense to you. 🤗 I meant to also say, if you have a basic store-bought garment like a t-shirt, simple pullover or cardigan that you really like the fit of, take the time to make tissue paper pattern pieces from it. That will make it easy to know your perfect body measurements for future projects and for blocking, too.
Absolutely! This is the best method I know to make garments that fit well. I don't make paper pieces though. I like to make note of what sleeve length, body length etc works for me and my family members. :)
I hear you. 😁 I drift away a lot too. But then there are also moments I seriously wish to just follow a pattern or a recipe without having to take notes constantly!
I'm yet to make big modifications to a pattern where I need to recalculate stitches etc. The thought of doing that is quite scarey! I've changed things up a bit with length of sleeves or length of the body but those modifications seem easy :) Love your hat pattern.
That sounds like a great start Jodie. And you are doing such a lovely job of knitting up garments that fit you well. They already have a wealth of knowledge about what your preferences are. You'll find yourself modifying things at will very soon, I think. :)
Thank you for this info on modifications. I’ve always wondered what designers think when knitters say they did this and that to the pattern. And I realize not all will think the same.
You put so much work and time into creating patterns, it seems almost flippant for some to say some of what they say. But changing to make it fit a body shape makes sense and requires skills. Or taking a motif from a sweater and putting it into a hat or something. Ideas do beget ideas.
Thank you Jane. What a thoughtful and kind thing to say! I know, as a designer there is a certain attachment to the patterns one creates. But still, there is truly no control over the creations once we let it out in to the world. But all things said, both knitter and designer want a satisfactory knit out of a pattern.
I love this and I'm always happy when people tweak patterns of mine to put their own stamp on it.
I agree. Each knitters' version speaks a bit of themselves as well as the designer. It is fascinating.
Hi Kavitha,
Love your thoughts on being free to change knitting patterns. If I were creating patterns for other people to use, I would include that in the instructions, according to one's own skill level. Perfectly okay for new knitters to stick to the written instructions. That only makes sense to me. But once you get the basics down, let yourself grow! An example that cropped up for me early on with sweater designs is that I have narrow sloping shoulders. A lot of my early knitting was done during the time of oversized garments Some with knit-in shoulder pads! And of course, many had 'off the shoulder' shoulder/sleeve seams. These were fun and even attractive styles for many women. But they really did nothing for me. With a lot of reknitting as I learned to cut patterns down to my shape, and I eventually came to a much better understanding of how to measure and preplan what needed to be done to cut the armholes and shoulder seams down to fit me! This makes such a difference in the finished appearance. I am not above using a serger to alter store bought and even hand knits to get the fit for me! But when I knit my own sweaters, I create the pieces with my body shape in mind. Hope this will free others to make their knits, their own!
Sandy, thank you for sharing this. That's the kind of modifications I am talking about. I love that you have figured out your unique preferences. have heard similar stories about drop shoulder garments. The sizing standards give a good foundation, but that's about it. An individual may not fit into all measurements in a particular size. I am glad more patterns are written to make the neck and shoulder area fitted for drop shoulder garments.
Glad my post made sense to you. 🤗 I meant to also say, if you have a basic store-bought garment like a t-shirt, simple pullover or cardigan that you really like the fit of, take the time to make tissue paper pattern pieces from it. That will make it easy to know your perfect body measurements for future projects and for blocking, too.
Absolutely! This is the best method I know to make garments that fit well. I don't make paper pieces though. I like to make note of what sleeve length, body length etc works for me and my family members. :)
I don’t think I’ve ever exactly followed a knitting pattern or recipe haha. I see them more as guides!
I hear you. 😁 I drift away a lot too. But then there are also moments I seriously wish to just follow a pattern or a recipe without having to take notes constantly!
Thank you for your confidence in me Kavitha :)