Hi good people, I’ve read and read about positive ease but whenever I knit, the items are either too big or too small.
I’m interested in knitting the Cognac sweater by Atelier Castin on Ravelry. The sizes are, 32 1/2, 36 1/2, 40 1/2. 44 1/2. 48 1/4. 53 1/4.
57, 61 inches.
My measurements are,
Under arms 37 inches
Full bust 42 1/2
Hips 44
Tummy 45.
I dont want it slim fitting, I want it loose.
I would really appreciate your help.
Great, classic look. The pattern gives the finished circumference. If you choose 44 1/4 " finished circumference that’s 1 3/4" positive ease at the bust.
For the 48 1/4" size that would give you 5 3/4" positive ease which may be more what you are looking for. It’ll still give you positive ease at the hips.
Thank you so much for replying
I had to come back on to tell you that I finally get it. I’ve struggled for so long trying to understand what was meant by the different sizes of ease.
I come from Ireland and the patterns here give the bust size and the size of the finished garment. Thank you again.
Just to add some info…garments made with no stretch, like blouses and shirts, usually have 4" positive ease. You need that much to simply make it not be too tight. So in general, you want a pattern that ends up 4-5" larger than your measurements.
Thank you ,that’s also very helpful. I’m making notes here, so I wont have to come back with the same question over and over
There may be something else happening when your knitting turns out bigger or smaller than you expected. Choosing the right size is important of course, and also gauge, and also taking into account if it is lace (stretching more than expected), or colourwork (firmer and smaller than expected), or cables… but I do think there are unexpected size issues in some patterns too.
As if there weren’t already so many aspects that effect size some patterns just seem rather odd in the sizing. The sweater I’m making looks on the pattern pic to have quite regular shaped sleeves but the stitch count for top and bottom of the sleeve were super sized. I used several methods of checking before deciding it made no sense at all and reworked the maths. I find ravelry helps spot this in advance if there are lots of projects and comments such as too short, too small etc but some patterns don’t have any other projects to look at.
The sweater you’ve chosen is quite short, several people have commented on that and I’d be cautious of the length.
Have you tried the method of measuring a top you already own and that you like the size of to see what it measures up as? I find this really helpful and have measured many of my sweaters and tshirts, measuring the width but also the amhole depth, length from underarm to hem, sleeve width.
I do also still find it hard to know what size i want or should make so i am with you there!
Thank you so much. Yes I have a sweater that I like the fit of. I will take some measurements of it , that’s a great idea