Readjusting Sizes?
Hello everyone,
My name is Cheryl and I am new to the CrochetMe site but very happy to be here. My problem is probably very simple, but it seems really complicated to me. Hope you can help. (I am new to crocheting; teaching myself, so be gentle!)
I find beautiful patterns, but they always seem to have sizes ONLY for S, M, L. I am a plus-size girl and so are most of my friends. We love crochet items, but we go a bit beyond a large. What I want to know is: if I have a pattern that is written just for S, M, L, is there a way to extend the pattern past those set sizes? I do not know if I am wording this correctly, but I am so frustrated because I can only make things for my *skinny* friends. I think I have probably overthought this problem and that is why I cannot figure it out. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
Peace,
CJ
Hi CJ
Being a voluptuous gal myself, I have given your problem some thought. Try using a larger hook than the pattern suggests. Along those same lines, try larger yarn. I hope this helps.
mad for crochet!
Do you need to expand all dimensions or just the hips or maybe the chest? The current issue of "Interweave Crochet" has an article on fitting by Doris Chan. Actually, it is part 2, so maybe you can order the previous, winter issue, too.
There has been a series of articles on making garments fit on "Knitting Daily" at http://www.knittingdaily.com/posts/ that apply to knits, crochet, or even sewing. You'll have to join, but it's free and painless.
Lily Chin explains all in her book "Couture Crochet". Doris Chan also explains in her book "Everyday Crochet". Ah, that's why the illustrations in her magazine article looked familiar.
The book "Big Beautiful Knits" by Moreno and Singer has excellent attitude changing inspiration and information on crafting flattering garments for larger sizes. I think it's worth buying just for that, the inspiration and information, even if all the patterns are for knits.
Thank you for the responses! Sarah I will try your idea of a larger hook/yarn. Pauline, it is so funny that you mentioned Doris Chan's book because I just bought it. I have not had a chance to look at it yet, but I hope to do so this afternoon.
Thanks again.
CJ
I to am fairly knew to crochet, though I've been doing it for a while. I'm still learning a lot of new things so I don't conside rmyself advanced just yet. But I too have found patterns for ages 3-6 mths. that I'd like to do for newborn and don't know how to readjust the this sizes to make them smaller. If anyone has any ideas or can help I'd appreciate it very much. Thank you.
I searched on "chart of standard baby clothing sizes" without the quotes, and Google found lots of sites. Here's one from YarnStandards.com Isn't that a reassuring site name? http://www.yarnstandards.com/babysize.html
So, figure out your gauge, sts or repeats per inch and rows/inch, number of inches per the chart, and calculate how many sts/repeats you'll need for each of the measurements.
Oops, I just looked again, and that's the size of the BABY not the size of the GARMENT, so be sure to add a couple of inches for ease before you calculate.
I suspect the YarnStandards site may have info on how much ease to add if you poke around.
Thank you I found th eplace you mentioned. I book marked it so to go back and read it. thanks again
I, too, am a new, self-taught, D-cup crocheter & LOVING EVERY STITCH of it! After getting tired of scarfs & ponchos for gifts, I stumbled upon Doris Chan's Everyday Crochet book. Yes, they are all up-sized and she tells how to add for larger bust so that the fronts don't ride up, without going to larger yarns or hooks.
They are definately not easy! I've posted a note today with a difficult direction interpretation. One I get the hang of it, I'm sure I'll love many other things in this book!