Knit to Fit: Customize and Personalize Knitting Patterns

September 8th, 2008 in knitting

Tina Hilton, contributor

1 user recommends

The tape measure is the knitters best friend.

Accurate body measurments are the first step to an awesome fit.

The tape measure is the knitter's best friend.

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Perry-Stout

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Knitting up a design to fit your unique size and shape can be a seemingly impossible task. How do you lengthen or shorten the sleeves and torso of a sweater? How do you make it just a bit more generous around certain luscious curves? With a bit of information and planning, you can make a few simple adjustments to the pattern that will yield a made-to order garment.

The free web-only knitting magazine Knitty.com not only offers free patterns but also has detailed information on how to solve your most daunting pattern dilemmas. Columnist Jenna Wilson tackles some of the most difficult pattern adjustment subjects and more. Jenna has carefully worked out the tough issues and presents the solutions in a smart and detailed fashion. Thinking Beyond the Pattern is a comprehensive series of articles that will take you step by step through the process. This is a must-have series for any knitter who is serious about fit. Have fun and knit well!

Thanks to Sarah Perry-Stout for sharing her great illustration.

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posted in: knitting, Customize knitting patterns, altering knitting patterns

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Comments (2)

Jen1964 writes: dear cjms - you aren't the only one built like that - my daughter is too. So we knit and measure and adapt as we go, and tailor anything. I'm sure this is the haphazard way to do it, and I have a lot to learn from these pros. Let me know how you do. I told my daughter that hers is the classic figure. That made her happy. Sure enough, classics sing on her... from 1800's to Hollywood to ann tailor and J.jill. That was a better response than I got when she once asked me how to camophlage her figure - and I suggested she learn to play guitar. I got cuffed at that! We all learn as we go. Since then she's learned to love her build and work with it. And she plays viola brilliantly. Posted: 10:29 am on October 4th

cjms writes: What an informative article. I have you on my favorite button and can't wait for your next blog to be printed. Since my hour-glass figure is a thing of the past and now more resembles a toad on a stool, I can't wait to try your suggestions. Keep up the great writing. Posted: 12:01 pm on September 10th

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