What do Knitting Patterns and Dishwashers have in common?
How to get the most out of a knitting pattern, CraftDoodling Designs News & Other updates.
Garments that fit our preferences, are made from materials we love, and are built to last are hard to find today and are truly worth their weight in gold. As knitters and makers, we have the potential to create a curated wardrobe of well-made, enduring pieces while enjoying an enriching hobby. However, as with all good things in life, achieving this takes time and patience.
Sizing, gauge etc.
Independent designers often use themselves as their fit model and create design. Then it is graded into sizes smaller and larger, technically edited and tested by a handful of knitters before being made available to others.
I usually knit myself a Size 2, which means I have 1 size to my left and 7 sizes to my right in my own sizing chart. This might look different for another designer’s pattern.
Knitting patterns need to rely on standardized body measurements to be graded into several sizes. Standardizing body measurements, such as assuming a specific armscye for a given chest measurement, provides consistency in grading.
Preparation steps to modify a knitting pattern
Yet, human bodies are unique; even the best-written pattern often requires some adjustment to achieve a perfect fit.
Here are some of the preparatory steps you can do to ensure the best fit possible for the pattern you are planning to knit.
Body Measurements: Knowing your own measurements and fit preferences is key.
Clothing Measurements: Collect examples of clothing that fit perfectly—favorite necklines, materials, ease, and sleeve lengths.
Visualize your future sweater as much as possible: Use the schematics provided in the pattern, your body measurements as well as modeled pictures of other knitters who might be closer to your measurements.
Learn and adapt: Use previous knitting projects as a learning tool. If a sweater didn’t quite meet your expectations, note what didn’t work and what could be improved.
Engage with the community: Gather insights from fellow knitters, whether in person or online, to see how they modify patterns for a personalized fit.
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Modifications to Mika Vest
These are some modifications that my testers made to suit their preferences, while testing my latest design Mika Vest.
Adding more plain rows to armhole for added depth or to compensate for discrepancies in row gauge.
Elongating the V (placing the increases 4 rows apart instead of 2 rows as suggested in pattern.)
Adding waist shaping.
Elongating the body of the sweater.
Having to modify a pattern to meet individual needs is quite common in sewing as well. But with knitting we additionally have the issue of meeting the designer’s gauge for the intended fabric, which also might potentially lead to modifications.
You can take a look at testers’ projects here on Ravelry.
What do knitting patterns and dishwashers have in common?
They can be loads of help with a bit of careful preparation!
Much like a dishwasher that requires thoughtful stacking and a little extra effort to tackle stubborn grease, a good knitting pattern also benefits from planning and occasional tweaking. When you take the time to set things up just right—whether it's loading a dishwasher or tailoring a pattern to fit you, you bring out the best results possible.
If you’re a seasoned sweater knitter, what modifications to a pattern have become your favorites? And if you’re just beginning your journey, what’s your ultimate goal? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! ♥️
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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
Mika Vest is available for download on Ravelry and Payhip.
Get 20% off Mika Vest using code MIKALOVE through Monday, April 21 midnight PT. Plus, enjoy 25% off all my other patterns—no coupon code needed!
A reel I shared recently to show how I wear my Mika.
You might still have time to get Anne’s Targhee Worsted Yarn at a discount for knitting your own Mika Vest. (Please note that her discount ends on Fri April 18.)
I am working to get some new designs tech edited currently and will be sending out pattern testing calls soon. Please keep an eye out, here in my Ravelry Group if you are interested. 💙
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Check out this lovely article on How to knit better-fitting, better-looking sweaters by Anne Vally in
READING UPDATES
Finished Reading 📖
The Windsor Knot - S.J. Bennett
The Hypnotist’s Love Story - Liane Moriarty
The Life Cycle of the Common Octupus - Emma Knight
Currently Reading 📖
The Resurrectionist - Rae Dunlap
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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Super helpful prep steps!!!!!
I always have to add inches to the body length. The current cropped style is not my friend and if I stopped knitting where instructed, I’d be wearing a midriff top or sweater bra.