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By Karen Wehrle

Do you have trouble finding knitting patterns that fit and flatter you? How many sweaters have you made that highlighted a body flaw in the worst way? How many sweaters remain unfinished because the instructions were unclear? If you find a knitting pattern you think you’d like to make, how many ways can it fail you? Let me count the ways.

How many ways can knitting patterns fail? What if the pattern:

  • puts maximum focus on your body flaws. Bet you didn’t know your backside could look THAT big.
  • fits wrong in some way. The neck chokes you after nearly ripping off your ears.
  • mismatches your yarn. Did the yarn drape or stretch or cling the way the pattern expected–or does the sweater stand on its own like bullet-proof armor?
  • has a stitch pattern your needles can’t manage with ease. If your tongue comes out and waves around every time you p2togtbl, you’ll get chapped lips and maybe never finish the thing.
  • is dead simple (boring) or too hard (frustrating) which ensures you never finish it. How much did you spend on that yarn?
  • provides muddled instructions. Wait, what?
  • is riddled with errors. If you ripped back three times and still get 91 stitches, not the 87 it says, maybe it’s a typo.

How many ways can knitting patterns fit? The right pattern is:

  • instructions for something you want to make.
  • in a flattering style for your body type.
  • in a size that fits you just right.
  • it works with the yarn you’ve chosen–and can afford.
  • the stitch pattern works with the needles you’ve chosen.
  • it matches your skill level–or is just a wee bit of a stretch.
  • it explains any tricky steps so you understand it top to bottom.

If you find a knitting pattern falls short in any of these areas, it will give you fits. No matter how well you knit each stitch, then block and seam your sweater, if it magnifies your worst body flaws you’ll never wear it. Too small, too large? Same deal.

Two tips for finding knitting patterns with good fit:

  1. Check missussmartypants.com for best styles for your body type.
  2. Check Ravelry project photos for how well or ill the pattern worked up and looks on various sizes and shapes.

For sweater fitting tips from a professional tailor who knits, visit my KnitsGoneBad blog at http://knitfitninja.com/blog/

Article Source: Karen Wehrle — Find Knitting Patterns – How Can You Know Which Knitting Pattern Will Fit You?

Filed under: Knitting

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