I must admit, I haven’t knit many sweaters for myself. Maybe half a dozen or so, but that’s it.
I have made it enough though that when I learned about the concept of measuring a comfort garment, I thought, “duh!” Why didn’t I think about this before? The idea is, you grab garments out of your existing wardrobe that are the perfect fit, the fit you love, and measure them. Take note and use those measurements to make size decisions before you cast on.
I actually think knowing the measurements of favorite garments you already own and love can be more important than knowing your actual body measurements – especially from a knitter’s perspective.
I always felt like I was guessing when it comes to picking a size to knit when making a new sweater. That is always a stress point for me. What if I pick incorrectly?
I don’t have to worry about that anymore. I pulled 3 sweaters out of my collection – 2 hand knits and one commercial – and measured some key areas that will be most helpful in deciding. The most important, I think is chest circumference. It directly influences the cast on and increased or decreases needed to get there. Other areas, like garment and sleeve length are easy to decided on the fly without requiring you to start all over again.
Here are my top three reasons I recommend measuring your comfort garments:
1. Knitting pattern schematics show finished garment measurements. Schematic show you a blueprint of the finished garment and the associated measurements instead of the size of the body they will be worn on. This makes it easy to align the finished measurement of garments you love with what the designer has laid out. All good designers will include schematics to help you visualize the finish piece.
2. You already know what you like. Why guess?!? It turns out I like 4 to 6 inches if positive ease in my bust. Can’t believe I never measured that before.
3. Measuring your favorite garment is much easier than measuring your own body. If you have ever tried to take ALL your measurements, it’s pretty impossible to do without help. I also find to difficult – a woman of my age – to keep track how my body is shrinking and growing. The garments aren’t changing and if they still fit, I can lay them flat and take the measurements.