Short row question about modifying Frankie Sweater for a more masculine fit

Pattern Central
1

Hi everyone,

I am modifying the Frankie Sweater by petiteknit so that it’ll fit my partner better.

My gauge is a little bit off, 21.5 sts / 31 sts while pattern is 20/30
So I adjusted the sts counts accordingly.

Cast on 120 sts (wanted a wider neckline)
sts divided before GSR: 3 - 14 - 3 - 40 - 3- 14- 3- 40
GSR as in pattern

Add more GSR:
2 extra GSR done same as in pattern
2 extra GSR: instead of knit 2 sts after resolving DS, I knitted 3
2 extra GSR: instead of knit 2 sts after resolving DS, I knitted 5

160 sts after short rows

Then I started raglan increase, did 34 rows, now my sts distribution is: 3 - 86 - 3 - 112 - 3 - 86 - 3 - 112

Now I am at a point where pattern says total number of sts for the sleeves has now been achieved. Increases are now only worked on the body.

I am already making a larger size so that he can also wear it as an oversized sweater, but I’m a little bit scared that I might not have made enough room for his back? In other words, I don’t want the sweater to sit on him like a “tent” afterwards, like the opposite of not working some bust darts for a busty person.

So my questions now:

  • What should I do to address the concern I have for the back panel now?
  • If I wanted a wider sleeve, is casting on more underarm sts a good way to go?
  • What if from now on I only do raglan increase for sleeves and back panels, knit a few rounds like this. Then divide body and sleeves directly? Would this help me with the fit problem I’m afraid of?

This is the first time I’m modifying a pattern like this so help is really appreciated!

Thank you all and happy knitting!

2

It depends on how many sts you need to add to the back and sleeves.
You could do as you suggest and work a round or two of increases at the raglans on just the back and sleeves. You can also cast on some sts at the underarm which will widen the sleeve and the body. Too many increases across the back might unbalance the sweater however by adding extra width at the back chest.

Alternatively, could you begin again on a larger size? Would that work and save time in the end?

How many inches or sts would you need to add to the back and sleeves?
You can always put in a lifeline and experiment with the added sts. If that doesn’t correct the size you can always go back to the lifeline and try another solution.

3

Is it supposed to be a surprise for your boyfriend, or can you have him try it on to check the fit? The beauty of knitting sweaters top-down is that you CAN try them on as you go.

Another thought is to find a pattern for a man’s raglan sweater that’s close to your gauge and check the numbers against what you have. Or measure against one of his sweaters.

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