| The percentage method of creating a sweater pattern uses the chest
measurement plus an allowance for ease of fit as a basis for all other measurements.
The chest measurement is treated as the 100%; all other measurements are some portion
of that measurement. You may prefer (or need) the body or arms of the sweater to be longer than
that which is calculated by this method. It is acceptable to work a few extra rows into the
body or the arm length.
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This is a pattern for working the body of the sweater as two pieces: front and back.
The sleeves are worked as separate pieces. Each piece is worked from the bottom or
cuff to the top of the piece. The front and back are sewn or grafted together at the
shoulders. The length of each sleeve is sewn or grafted to form a tube. Then the top
of the sleeve is eased into the armhole and sewn or grafted to the body.
Single-point needles in the sizes appropriate to the gauge you enter are needed.
You will also need to have stitch holders and markers.
Important: Make a test square in the pattern stitch in which most of your sweater will
be done. The test square should be made by casting on about 25 stitches and working about
25 rows. This test piece is used to measure the gauge. Knowing your gauge is critical to
the proper fit of any sweater pattern.
The pattern is written as if the pattern stitch is stockinette stitch. If you use some other
stitch for your test piece, you will have to mentally substitute the name of your pattern stitch
wherever the pattern say stockinette stitch.
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About the type of fit. It is not a sophisticated method. I add a factor to the chest measurement.
The factors are Snug = 2"; Comfortable = 4"; and Loose = 6".
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And before you go any further, obssessed in the quest of a free pattern,
be aware that this pattern is a percentage approximation. If you are accustomed to
having a pattern that spells everything out to the letter
or if you are a beginner this pattern may not meet all your needs.
The pattern you will get from this process will be a guideline to making a
sweater, but you need to know something about what you are doing. Or be a bit
adventurous.
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