Should I allow for shrinkage?

I’m knitting a sweater in fingering weight merino wool (marled using two threads at the same time). I am nearing the bottom of the sweater and my partner has suggested I make it slightly longer than I need it, to allow for shrinkage? Is this helpful or necessary? I don’t want to be stuck with a sweater that is too long!

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Wool doesn’t usually shrink in handknits, unless they accidentally go through the washing machine when not meant to.

In fact, superwash wool has a habit of growing.

Did you make a swatch and wash it, measuring before and after? Or could you whip one up now?

Otherwise, you can do what’s called “blocking on the needles”. Transfer your stitches to a piece of waste yarn. Measure piece. Wash, blot with an old towel, and lay out gently and pat into shape on another towel. Measure again when dry.

What kind of wool are you using? I mean, exactly what type e.g. brand, superwash or non-superwash?

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Thank you. A swatch would be a good idea. I haven’t used super wash wool, and I intend only to hand wash it. It contains quite a mixture of different brands of merino fingering hand dyed yarns - Hedgehog Fibres and Qing Fibres to name a couple of them.

Ooh, that sounds lovely.

I just re-read your question and realised you are knitting top down. In that case, you can add length easily later on if you have some wool left. Just undo the cast-off edge and knit a bit more length.

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Yes that’s true - fingers crossed I don’t have to! Thanks for your help!

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Just an idea.
You could use a scrap yarn to do a provisional bind off and wash block then decide after if you want to add more length.

Thank you, that’s a good idea. So nice to have options! Much appreciated. It’s my first adult sized sweater so I’m a bit of a newbie at all this!

The fabric shrinkage percentage is determined by the length of fabric before and after laundering and looking at the fabric shrinkage percentage calculation. If shrinkage percentage is less than 2-3%, it is acceptable by consumers but there are chances of its rejection if it is more than 3%

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Thanks, very helpful. Might have to get my ten year old son to do the maths for me, lol!

Yup, that’s a good idea. really appreciated