Read Knitting Patterns for Multi-Size Garments

Reading Multi-Size Knitting Patterns

If you are planning on making a garment, chances are good that you will be reading a knitting pattern for multiple sizes. There will be many places in the pattern where you will need to know the number that applies to the size you are trying to create. This article will help you to choose the appropriate number.

Inside the Pattern

The first thing that you have to look at is in the header of the knitting pattern. Here is where the pattern designer tells you which sizes are available.

As a rule, the various sizes are shown as in the following examples, all for 5 different sizes:

• 32 (34, 36, 38, 40)
  
• S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
  
• 6 (8, 10, 12, 14)
  

This format of specifying the sizes tells you that whenever you see a sequence of a number followed by 4 numbers in parentheses, you are looking at a multiple-size specification.

If you are making the smallest size, you will use the first number, the one outside the parentheses.

If you are making the largest size, then you will use the last number inside the parentheses.

For example, if the instructions say "Cast on 90 (95, 100, 105, 110) sts.", then:

• if you are the largest size, cast on 110 stitches.
  
• if you are the fourth size, cast on 105 stitches.
  
• if you are the third size, cast on 100 stitches.
  
• and so on.
  

Any other statements with a similar sequence of numbers is treated similarly:
Cast off 4(5, 6, 7, 8) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

All you have to do is remember which of those numbers is for you.

Hints

One suggestion that will help to make your knitting life happier is to read through your knitting pattern, before you start to knit, looking for every occurrence of the multi-size sequence of numbers.

Highlight the one that applies to you.

If you are the second-from-the-smallest size, then highlight the first number inside the parentheses.

Another hint: if you would like to learn more, sign up for the free e-course on How to Read Knitting Patterns.

More about the sizes

A 40 could mean a 40" bust. Or it could mean the finished size.

And do S/M/L/XL/2XL mean the same as in ready-to-wear?

If you are fortunate, the pattern writer also includes some other clues as to what the size means.

Some patterns say that the Size refers to the finished size of the garment. Some also include the corresponding bust/chest measurement (if the garment is a sweater). Some patterns will indicate whether the garment is fits loosely or snugly.

But in some cases you are on your own for figuring out what the size number really means.

One method you can use is to take advantage of the gauge specification. But you will need to do a bit of math.

Example:

If the gauge says 20 stitches in 4 inches with Stocking Stitch, and the Back and Front of a Stocking Stitch Sweater each have 100 stitches on the needle just below the armhole shaping, then there are 200 stitches around the chest/bust.

200 stitches is ten 20-stitch chunks, or ten 4-inch chunks, or 40 inches finished size. With the standard of a couple of inches of ease, then if your chest/bust is 38 inches, this will be a comfortable fit. If the sweater is designed to fit snugly, though, it would work with a chest/bust of 42 inches (that's called "negative ease").

Conclusion

Now you know how to interpret a knitting pattern for multiple sizes. It's time for you to start making a sweater that's the correct size.