Help with sizing up a pattern

#1

I am about to embark on the Mari Hooded Placket Pullover. The width (which I hope I’m assuming correctly is the chest measurement after blocking) is only written to a 51 1/2. I need mine to be 53 1/2. It appears that I would just adjust accordingly-on the cast on-each size goes up 4 stitches so I would add 4 stitches to my cast on. However, there are times when the pattern will say 5/5/6/7 (for each size). Do you think I would do 8 there? At times when the pattern says 6/7/7/7 do you think I would stick with 7 there or go up to 8? Hope this makes sense!! Thanks in advance!!!:knitting:

#2

I’ll leave the answer up to someone more knowledgeable because I’m not that experienced with sweaters and sizing up.

It helps to post a link when asking questions so we can visualize or look at the pattern. This one appears to be a paid for pattern so here’s a link on Ravelry for anyone who can help.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mari-hooded-placket-pullover

#3

The easier way to size a pattern is to change needle size. If you go up one size, then your gauge will be looser. And the sweater bigger. The reason I prefer this method, is that armhole & neck shaping is unchanged. And you just work the larger size pattern as written.

There are other ways to resize. You need to add about 1/2" per each side of the front & 1" on the back. You need to add equally back & front so the side seams stay aligned. I can’t tell what the pattern is on the lower part of the sweater, but the top has stockinette between the V chevrons. You could add 1 stitch between each repeat.

Pretty much I eyeball the pattern & ask myself where is the best place to add stitches. Preferably somewhere that doesn’t interupt the pattern or alter the shaping.

#4

Thank yo so much! I’m going to ponder for awhile but this really helps!

#5

It appears that I would just adjust accordingly-on the cast on-each size goes up 4 stitches so I would add 4 stitches to my cast on. However, there are times when the pattern will say 5/5/6/7 (for each size). Do you think I would do 8 there? At times when the pattern says 6/7/7/7 do you think I would stick with 7 there or go up to 8?

I think that will work. Or go up a little on the needle size as Abby suggested.

#6

Something I just thought of…if I go up a needle size how would I work the gauge> Would I use the suggested needle size and if that measures up then go ahead and go up a needle size for the sweater? Thanks!:knitting: [

QUOTE=Abby123;1283005]The easier way to size a pattern is to change needle size. If you go up one size, then your gauge will be looser. And the sweater bigger. The reason I prefer this method, is that armhole & neck shaping is unchanged. And you just work the larger size pattern as written.

There are other ways to resize. You need to add about 1/2" per each side of the front & 1" on the back. You need to add equally back & front so the side seams stay aligned. I can’t tell what the pattern is on the lower part of the sweater, but the top has stockinette between the V chevrons. You could add 1 stitch between each repeat.

Pretty much I eyeball the pattern & ask myself where is the best place to add stitches. Preferably somewhere that doesn’t interupt the pattern or alter the shaping.[/QUOTE]

#7

You can just swatch with the next size needle and see how much larger than the gauge you get. If the sts/inch divided into the total number of sts for the front and back will measure enough for you, then you’re good to go. If you think it might be a bit small, then try the next size up.

#8

Yeah, you have to make a gauge swatch to figure out if going up a needle size will work. It may give you the needed 2". Or you may need to also add or subtract stitches.

You can also adjust the way you mentioned. I read over that pattern. Anytime there is a change in stitch count I ask myself why.
Most basic sweater patterns have these changes-
Side edge decreases worked hem to waist to narrow for the waist
Side edge increases worked waist to bust to widen again
Change in stitch count when you switch from one pattern stitch to another. Either because the stitch width is different, ie garter stitch to stockinette. Or a pattern with repeats (to make them even.) Or centering motifs.
Underarm & neck bind offs

Another option is to tweek a pattern that you have which fits. You still need to swatch in the new pattern stitches. But it gives you a basic outline of what will fit.

#9

Thank you sooooo much! This really helps!