How to Measure Garments to Get Preferred Pattern Size

What is the "purpose" of the sweater you want to knit? Are you aiming for a form-fitting top? A roomy layering piece? Something in between?

Compare the Ruth images here: maybe you want a closer fit like the yellow sample on the left, or a looser fit like the dark gray sample on the right. Everyone's preference is different. For this reason, we don't give recommended ease in our patterns. For the best fit, suggest your own ease!

Go to your closet and pull out any garments that have a similar fit to what you are trying to achieve with your knit project. Sweatshirts, tees, previous handknits - the more you measure, the more information you'll have.

Lay your selected garments flat and measure key areas like bust circumference, shoulder width, armhole depth, and sleeve circumference. 

Jot down the general sizing you are aiming for in your knit sweater. Julie likes to quickly draw a simple schematic and note the measurements of each section.

All of our sweater patterns include illustrated schematics. Compare the measurements you are aiming for to the numbers listed on the schematic - and choose the size that is closest to your desired measurements to knit!

Schematic for Toni shown here.

Like we said, everyone's shape is different. If one pattern size doesn't quite work for you, we encourage modifications! For instance, you could knit a size 2 shoulders, then adjust the worksheet so you increase to the size 3 bust.

The Cocoknits Method makes it easy to customize your sweater to fit you just the way you want - click here for ideas!

Julie shown here modeling the modified Toni cardigan she knit for our 2022 KAL.