2. Determine the size needed. Compare your own body measurements against those given with the chart, and select those closest to your own. You may need to read the written pattern to find the body measurements, since the ones on the chart itself usually include ease. Note any needed alterations. Pay particular attention to sleeve length, as anyone over 5' 4" will probably need to add extra. Arms vary greatly in length.
3. It is helpful to make another small sketch of the pattern, using only the measurements for the desired size. Draw the back, and copy off only the measurements for your size. Be sure to enter all length and width amounts. Make a sketch of the front, the sleeve, including cuff, and the neckband, and enter all length and width measurements for each.
NOTE: Some charts do not show all required measurements. In this case, it will be necessary to figure them from the information that is given. For example, the depth of the shoulder slope is often not shown To determine the amount needed, subtract the armhole depth and the sideseam length, including ribbing, from the total length of the garment. Sometimes the width of the neck is not shown. In that case, it may be necessary to read the written pattern, see how many stitches are in the back neck, then divide by the stitch gauge. Example: there are 48 sts in the back neck, and the stitch gauge is 8 sts per inch. Divide 48 by 8. There is 6" across back neck. If the width of the bindoff at underarm is not shown, use the same method as for the back neck. If width of each shoulder is not shown, but the back width above the bustline is shown (total back shoulder width), first determine neck width, either from the chart, or mathematically from the written pattern, as above. Subtract neck width from back shoulder width, then divide by 2 to find width of each shoulder. 4. One additional step is necessary before drawing the pattern on Knit Contour paper. Draw a center vertical line down the middle of each section of the sketch. Divide all width measurements in half and enter the amount on each side of the center line.
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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