Resizing Gauge Crochet Knitting Patterns

There are several different ways to resize knitting or crochet patterns so I decided to share links from around the internet that will help you decided what method is best for you.

The first idea is simple for garments or pieces that do not need much structure or exact sizing by using a larger or small hook or needle as described in this article.

Want a Bigger Garment? Use a Thicker Yarn!, June 28th, 2010 by Zontee

Here’s a comment from someone from about 5 years ago:

Gamma22 • 5 years ago
OK, this is actually about knitting, but yes, I have SO cheated and used a kid’s pattern to make an adult’s sweater. I don’t know why designers use worsted weight yarn and size 7 needles (surely I’m not the only woman who can call up hot flashes on demand in February? OK, maybe I am…) but I see no purpose in making something too hot to wear! It takes a little tweaking, but you can actually use a larger needle with a smaller pattern size and actually end up with a wearable garment! For instance, if the pattern for the chest measurement looks like this: 32 (34-36-38) with size 7 needles, I choose the measurement I want to make (38), but I want to use a size 9 needle. I count down: 38 is for size 7, so 36 is for size 8 and 34 is for size 9. Therefore, I follow the pattern for the 34 bust.

And Deccoknits, you can even enlarge a pattern this way if you can’t find the larger size in a pattern you like – I’ve done it loads of times!

Gauge & Why It Matters, July 14th, 2013 by Barbara Breiter

Gauge is another predictor of size and it works with either knitting or crochet–be mindful of your gauge if it matters because you can unwittingly enlarge or decrease the size of your piece simply by using the wrong gauge,

Which leads us to the next link–adjusting your gauge–actually changing the size of your garment is like adjust your sewing pattern you have to take into account all of your pieces. check out the next article you will have to do some math–so have you calculator handy and know how many pieces you have for your garment.

Tranquil Tank Top Knit-Along – Additional Sizes (Or How to Resize a Pattern) May 6th, 2013 by Zontee

How to Resize a Garment from Pierrot Yarns of Japan

How to resize a garment from Pierrot Yarns from Japan a very detailed PDF and really the correct way to resize a crochet or knitted garment but also the most difficult–let’s not use the word difficult, better to say comprehensive and detailed.

Elann at one time had a great article..but no more, but they do have a related article about interchangeable yarns that has to do with gauge titled “How does elann.com measure yarn gauge? Be sure to check the article title because this is not a direct link.

Measuring Your Gauge

All knitting and crochet directions include a stitch gauge. The stitch gauge gives the number of stitches to the inch with the yarn and needle recommended in the pattern stitch.

The directions are based on the given gauge. the gauge (or tension) at which you work controls the size of each finished piece. It is, therefore, essential to work to the gauge given for each item if you want it to be the correct size.

To test your gauge, cast on 20-30 stitches, using the needles specified. Work in the pattern stitches for 3″. Smooth our your swatch and pin it down. Measure across 2″ and place pins 2″ apart. Count the number of stitches between pins. If you have more stitches to the inch than directions specify, you are working too tightly; use larger needles. If you have fewer stitches to the inch, you are working too loosely; use smaller needles.

Most patterns give a row gauge too. Although the proper length does not usually depend on the row gauge (directions usually give lengths in inches rather than rows), in some patterns it is important to have the proper row gauge too.

Where to Measure