How to Measure Your Body Correctly for a Perfectly Fitting Sweater
When it comes to knitting or crocheting a sweater, accurate measurements are everything. If you don’t measure your body correctly, even the best pattern won't fit the way you want. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to measure key areas of your body so you can confidently adjust any pattern to fit.
Key Measurements for a Well-Fitting Sweater
Bust: Measure the fullest part of your bust. This is critical for ensuring the right fit across the chest area.
Waist: Even if your pattern doesn’t include waist shaping, knowing your waist measurement helps adjust length and proportions.
Hip: For longer sweaters and cardigans, getting the hip measurement right ensures that the garment hangs correctly.
Arm circumference: If you’ve ever had sleeves that are too tight, this is the measurement that can fix it.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
My client, Jessica, was frustrated after knitting a sweater that ended up way too tight across the bust, despite following the pattern. After reviewing her measurements, we realized she had measured her bust incorrectly. Once she re-measured and made adjustments, her next sweater fit beautifully.
Testimonial: "I never realized how much difference taking accurate measurements could make until I worked with Tian. Now, every sweater I knit fits like it was made for me—because it was!" – Jessica K.
In my book Cardigans For Every Body, I go beyond basic measurements, teaching you how to use your body’s dimensions to modify any sweater pattern. You'll also find tips on adjusting length and width, and even modifying sleeve shapes.
Tired of sweaters that don’t fit the way you want? Cardigans For Every Body will show you exactly how to measure yourself and adjust any pattern for a flawless fit. Get the book today and sign up for the Cardigans For Every Body Masterclass, where we dive deep into making modifications that suit your body type.
