Knitty Bitz

Bust/Chest

Measure around the widest part.

Waist

Tie a length of string around your waist and let it settle comfortably into place. Measure the string but not too tightly.

Hips

Measure around the widest part.

Underarm Length

Slight bend the elbow and measure from approximately 2.5cm below the actual underarm down to the narrowest part of the wrist (just above the hand).

Centre Back Neck to Waist

Measure from the bone at the centre back of the neck down to the narrowest part of the wrist (just above the hand).

This measurement may be required for drop shoulder garments.

Neck

Measure around the neck at the widest point.

Back Width

Measure across the back between the outer points of the shoulder bones.

This measurement is required for a set-in sleeve garment.

Upper Arm Width

Measure around the upper arm at its widest point. Normally at least 2.5cm ease is added to this measurement, unless a tightly fitted sleeve is required.

Wrist

Measure around the wrist (just above the hand).

Back Neck to Waist

Measure from the bone at the centre back neck down to the natural waistline.

Waist to Underarm

Measure from the natural waistline to approximately 2.5cm below the actual underarm.

Measuring for Socks

With one foot on a piece of paper and using a pencil, mark the end of your big toe and the back of your heel. Measure between these two marks. This will give you the length of your foot.

The leg length of socks is usually measured upwards from the ankle.

Instructions for socks are normally close fitting with no ease added to measurements.

Look at the measurement given in the pattern/instructions for the finished size. This is sometimes called the "actual size".

From this figure, deduct the actual body measurement. This will give you the amount of ease allowed for in the pattern.

If you decide that the "fit" is too tight for your liking, knit one size larger to make a looser fit garment.

Check that the length measurements suit you, i.e. garment body length, sleeve length etc.

It is relatively straight forward to add/omit rows to lengthen/shorten just below the armhole shaping on the garment body or just below the sleeve top shaping on a garment sleeve.