I would like to knit a particular sweater for a 6 yr old. However, the pattern is for a four year old chest size 23" (finished chest size 27"). Her measurement is 25" and she is six. The directions call for casting on 61 sts and calls for 8 rows to complete the pattern. I remember reading somewhere that patterns can be adjusted to increase the size of the garment but I can’t seem to find the info. If anyone can turn me in the right direction to find this info I would appreciate your help. Thanks so much.
Look at the difference in the number of stitches between sizes. If there’s 8 sts difference in the CO, CO 8 more. Every place the pattern mentions stitch count, do the same.
Another way…
Figure your sts/inch. Multiply that times 27" and that’s how many you need for the front and back together, plus 4-8 for ease, seams and growing. You will have to repeat the pattern another time or two, depends how long you want to make it. Same with adding length to the sleeves, though you may only need to add on a few stitches for the width.
Thank you very much. I was searching through the site and was going to log off and saw your reply. Another suggestion was to increase the size of the needles or thickness of the wool?? Since I already have the wool (I seem to buy the wool and then the pattern…not a good idea) I would have to go with the increase in needle size. I would appreciate your comments on that one. For now I think I will go with your suggestion it makes more sense. Once again thanks for your help.
Right, you can use a larger size needle; I do that all the time because I can’t stand using size 8s for a sweater. You may find your gauge on a bigger needle could be just right to get the size you need.
Great…I’ll give it a try with a gauge test. The pattern calls for size 5.5mm or (US 9) needles and the gauge is 18 sts = 4 “, 24 rows = 4” in patt. What size do you recommend that I try…US 10?. Also should I also increase the number of Cast on stitches? The pattern increments are as follows for every 2" increase in chest size you cast on 6 more stitches. For chest size 23" you cast on 61 sts. Her chest measurement is 25" so that would make 67 cast on stitches. Any suggestions? Sorry for all the questions. Once I get started on a project I can’t put it down. Here it is 12:00am and I’m still searching…ya gotta love it. Once again thanks!
Basically, you’re going to have to try out different things. Use the 9s and see if you get the gauge, though it seems a little wonky… 18sts/4" equals 9 sts for 2", not 6sts :?? … At that gauge, the 23 inch would actually be nearly 27", allowing 4" for seaming and ease.
You can try using the 10s and see if the sts per inch will get you the size you need (approximately 4") over 61 sts.
To Fit chest: 19 (21,23)"
Finished chest: 21 3/4 (24 1/2, 27)"
That’s usual for a lot of patterns. It tells you that the finished size is going to be nice and roomy.
You could certainly CO 67 stitches, then after a couple inches, measure the width. If it’s about 14" and a bit, that would make the finished sweater about 28-29", giving you the same amount of ease as the pattern.