Altering a Commercial Knit Contour Pattern
We will assume a body bust of 33 3/4". This means that pattern size B will be used for both the KR-6 and KR-7 patterns. Compare the rest of your own personal body measurements against those shown on the size chart for your Knit contour pattern. If there is a difference of 1/2" it is best to alter. The following illustration from the knitting manual shows a shoulder being widened. This is a frequently needed alteration. The body has also been lengthened. Be sure to check the length of the sleeves, too, since these are often too short. Most people will do better to trace off the single pattern outline of the size to be knitted onto clean Knit Contour paper, which is sold as a separate item by Studio dealers. Five or six sizes on a sheet can confuse even an experienced knitter, and it is very easy to knit the back one size, and the front another size. Also, since patterns frequently need a little alteration, it is better to trace the original onto clean paper with pencil, and make the necessary changes, rather than marking up the originals.
Remember, these patterns are drafted to fit the "average" figure. This is determined by measuring hundreds of women who are 4' 11", 5' 5", 5' 10", and everything in between, with all body shapes, then taking the average bust, waist, hip, etc. Obviously, not very many of us will match pattern measurement charts exactly. Knits are more forgiving of minor figure variations than woven fabrics are, but we definitely should not expect a garment shoulder width of 13" to stretch to fit a body shoulder width of 16".
When planning a long sleeve with a cuff, allow at least 1" more than body length, since the sleeve pulls up a little when worn. After knitting your first garment, you may decide that you prefer even more than that. Some people like their sleeves to end just above the wrist bone, and some like them to extend to the top of the hand. This is a personal choice, and one you must determine for yourself.
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Irene Woods
P.O. Box 637
Wickenburg, AZ 85358
(928) 684-2969
© 1997-2002 by Irene Woods
Email: irenewoods@clearwater.net