US to UK Sizing Help

Hi,

I have this jumper knitting pattern. I live in Ireland and I have no idea how to convert this from US to UK sizing as I am probably being stupid but I am not sure what the term body circumference relates to? It is very difficult to find a consistent sizing guide online and I can’t seem to relate this “body circumference” measurement to anything.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Lou x

Hello
The sizes in patterns are the size of the finished item, if you work exactly to the given gauge.
A 40" body circumference could be called 49" around the chest or bust, it’s the measurement of the sweater all the way around.
It is not the measurement of the person’s body.
If the person has a 40" chest they likely do not wear a sweater measuring 40" but perhaps 42 or 44 or 46" depending g how much ease (gap between person’s and sweater) they like to have.
One way to decide what size to make is to get one of your own sweaters which you like the size of and measure it flat on the table, across from side to side, then double that measurement to give circumference needed. Look for a size that is close to this.

Switching from inches to cm can be done online, just type it Google.
40" for instance is 101cm and depending on amount of ease wanted might be good for a UK size 10 or 12 woman, a UK size 10 is about 34" bust but you need to add some ease, so 40" is probably suitable, taking into account that one styles are intended to be baggy or over sized and some intended to be figure hugging.

I’m size 10 ish and make sweaters 50cm wide, that is 100cm circumference for myself and they are generally a baggy slouchy fit. I make almost the same size for my son age 14 who would be a man’s xxs or xs in waist/chest, he’s pretty much an 8 to 10 woman’s size. Sorry I don’t know if this pattern is intended for male or female form/size so just trying to give you a rough idea of both.

Does this help, or have I misunderstood your question?

1 Like

This is great help, thank you so much.

It’s a woman’s jumper for me, in all the years I’ve been knitting I don’t think I have ever made myself a jumper, just cardigans so very unsure of the sizing.

I never thought of something as simple as measuring out a jumper I like the width of, this is why I love this forum!

2 Likes

It’s not you! The way that “body circumerence” is used here is confusing. It seems like it should be your body circumference but it’s not. As Creations mentioned, it’s the sweater circumference.
You can check this using the stitch gauge. It’s 13sts/4 inches so 130sts/40inches for the XS for example. That is consisten with a cast on of 64 sts for the front or back.

What is the name of your pattern and designer?

2 Likes

Thank so much for the reassurance I’m not going mad, I was trying to measure it to a size conversion chart and couldn’t get my head around it.

It’s this pattern here:

1 Like

That looks like a lovely sweater.
I find sizing difficult too. I’m in England, we measure bust or chest in inches but I knit in centimeters. I do a lot of cm/inch conversion. Even for shop bought sweaters I find it almost impossible, every shop as a different size for a “size 10”, no consistency.

If you don’t have a sweater which is equally as slouchy as the pattern pic, I find if I start with my own sweater laid in the table then use a tape measure to add some width each side it helps me guess how much bigger to go.

Enjoy your project.

1 Like

I hear you on the sizing, I have clothes in my wardrobe from a size 8 to a size 14 and I am probably on average a 10 to 12, it’s crazy and only getting worse!

Thanks again for all the tips, really helpful. Just getting the next project lined up and ready to go. I’m just finishing out a jumper for my little girl first, at least thats easier. I just knit a size or two ahead of her age and know she will grow into it :joy:

2 Likes