Resizing vintage knitting patterns can be a rewarding process, allowing you to create a garment that fits you perfectly. If you only need to increase by one size (2 inches) simply going up a needle size will work.
Resizing Vintage Knitting Patterns
Understanding the finished measurements versus your own
It’s always useful to check the finished garment measurements to make sure it’s what you need. On your vintage pattern:
Resizing a vintage knitting pattern
Resizing takes a little math – but go forward with confidence! Remember previous generations of people with very little schooling were able to resize patterns to fit them and their families. You got this, it’s in your DNA ❤. Here are some steps you can follow:
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Using the Yarn weight recommended in the pattern:
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- Measure the number of inches you’d like your sweater to be around your largest chest measurement (e.g., 40 inches).
- Divide this by the bust measurement given in the pattern (often around 32 inches for vintage patterns).
- Calculate the factor: Factor=Pattern Measurement divided by Desired Measurement
- Multiply the original stitch count by this factor to determine how many stitches to cast on. For example, if the pattern says to cast on 120 stitches, and your factor is 1.25, cast on 150 stitches.
- For every 4 inches in bust size increased, add .75 of an inch in the body length to accomodate a bigger bust (you may need more if you’re bigger than a C Cup)
- For every 4 inches in bust size increased, add approx .5 inch to the chest height from the under arm cast off upwards. Add the same amount to the sleeve head height too.
- You may need to make your neckline wider and deeper, but only slightly.
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Using a different Yarn weight:
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- Knit a swatch in the recommended stitch, block it, and measure how many stitches are in one inch.
- Multiply the stitches per inch by your desired bust measurement to find the required stitch count.
- Adjust for any shaping (waist, sleeves) and consider ease.
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Accommodating Stitch Patterns:
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- Check the pattern for repeating stitch patterns or motifs.
- Note how many stitches are involved in each repeat.
- Use the same methods as above to adjust the size, considering any border stitches.
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I also recommend the book Knit Back in Time (also known as Vintage Knitting Design Workshop) by Geraldine Warner.
Happy knitting! 🧶💕
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- Waist size: Locate the amount of stitches on your needle after the waist ribbing is complete. Divide this by the pattern tension (i.e. 7 sts per inch / 98 sts = 14 inches), and then multiply by 2 to get the finished waist measurement (i.e 14 x 2 = 28 inches)
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- Bust or chest size: Locate the amount of stitches on your needle just before you begin casting off for the armholes. Divide this by the pattern tension (i.e. 7 sts per inch / 126 sts = 18 inches), and then multiply by 2 to get the finished bust measurement (i.e 18 x 2 = 36 inches)
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- Bodice height from waist to bust: Normally the waist rib height is provided (i.e. 4 inches), and the pattern will often say ‘work for XX inches’ before you cast off for the arms. If this ‘work for XX inches’ isnt provided, you’ll need to manually count the rows and then divide it by the row height tension (i.e. 120 rows / 10 rows per inch = 12 inches).
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[/vc_column][/vc_row]Resizing a vintage knitting pattern
Resizing takes a little math – but go forward with confidence! Remember previous generations of people with very little schooling were able to resize patterns to fit them and their families. You got this, it’s in your DNA ❤. Here are some steps you can follow:
-
-
Using the Yarn weight recommended in the pattern:
-
- Measure the number of inches you’d like your sweater to be around your largest chest measurement (e.g., 40 inches).
- Divide this by the bust measurement given in the pattern (often around 32 inches for vintage patterns).
- Calculate the factor: Factor=Pattern Measurement divided by Desired Measurement
- Multiply the original stitch count by this factor to determine how many stitches to cast on. For example, if the pattern says to cast on 120 stitches, and your factor is 1.25, cast on 150 stitches.
- For every 4 inches in bust size increased, add .75 of an inch in the body length to accomodate a bigger bust (you may need more if you’re bigger than a C Cup)
- For every 4 inches in bust size increased, add approx .5 inch to the chest height from the under arm cast off upwards. Add the same amount to the sleeve head height too.
- You may need to make your neckline wider and deeper, but only slightly.
-
-
Using a different Yarn weight:
-
- Knit a swatch in the recommended stitch, block it, and measure how many stitches are in one inch.
- Multiply the stitches per inch by your desired bust measurement to find the required stitch count.
- Adjust for any shaping (waist, sleeves) and consider ease.
-
-
Accommodating Stitch Patterns:
-
- Check the pattern for repeating stitch patterns or motifs.
- Note how many stitches are involved in each repeat.
- Use the same methods as above to adjust the size, considering any border stitches.
-
-
I also recommend the book Knit Back in Time (also known as Vintage Knitting Design Workshop) by Geraldine Warner.
Happy knitting! 🧶💕