How to Make Hand-Knit Sweaters Fit Like Your Favorite Store-Bought Clothes
If you've ever knit or crocheted a sweater, only to find that it doesn’t fit quite like your favorite store-bought clothing, you’re not alone. One of the biggest reasons handmade garments don’t fit as expected is because many patterns don’t take your unique measurements or fit preferences into account.
In this detailed guide below, I’ll show you how to customize your hand-knit or crocheted sweaters to fit like a glove — just like your most comfortable store-bought clothes.
Why Store-Bought Clothes Fit Differently
Ready-to-wear clothing is often designed based on years of research into body shapes, sizes, and fabric behavior. Hand-knit garments, on the other hand, are usually made from patterns that assume a “standard size,” which may not work for your body shape.
Step-by-Step: How to Achieve the Right Fit
Measure your favorite sweater. Start by measuring your most-loved store-bought sweater. Take notes on the bust, waist, hip, arm, and overall length.
Compare these to your pattern. Look at the schematic of the sweater pattern you’re using. Does it match your favorite sweater's dimensions? If not, it’s time to make some adjustments.
Adjust for ease and drape. If you prefer a looser or more fitted garment, make sure you understand the ease in your pattern and adjust accordingly.
Sarah’s Custom Fit Success
Sarah, one of my students, struggled for years with patterns that never quite fit. Her sweaters always seemed too loose or too short. After learning how to measure her favorite ready-to-wear top, she adjusted the pattern for the bust and waist, adding length to match her torso. The result? A perfectly-fitted sweater that rivals any store-bought piece in her closet.
Swatching: The Key to a Great Fit
Before making any modifications, always swatch! Your swatch will give you critical information about how your chosen yarn behaves, which can help you decide if you need to modify the pattern further. In my book Cardigans For Every Body, I dive deep into the importance of swatching and how to adjust based on your gauge.
Want to learn more about how to adjust your patterns for a flawless fit? My book Cardigans For Every Body covers everything you need to know about fit, modifications, and swatching. Ready to take your skills to the next level? My Cardigans For Every Body Masterclass includes detailed training on fitting hand-knit and crocheted sweaters. Get your copy and enroll in the masterclass today to create garments that fit perfectly every time!
