Adapting a pattern to your size: easy calculations and adjustments for motivated knitters

Want to tailor a pattern to your body shape ? You've come to the right place 🌈
In this article, we explain how to easily modify a model – with precise calculations and tips that make all the difference.
Adapting a pattern to your size: calculations and adjustments is our keyword, because that's exactly what you need.

Why adapt a pattern?

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▫️ Comfort & perfect fit : a sweater that is too big or too tight can ruin hours of knitting.

▫️ Enhance your unique style : every body shape deserves a tailor-made fit.

“I reduced the width of the Festi vest by 5 cm – and honestly, I never take it off!”
— A Knit-Sis tester

Step 1: Take your measurements accurately

▫️ Chest, waist, hips: use a soft tape measure, held flat.

▫️ Desired length: measure from the shoulder to the bottom of the garment.

▫️ Then compare your measurements to those indicated in the original pattern .

📌 Tip: Write down your sample, as it is the basis for all future calculations.

Step 2: Calculations to adjust the width

Concrete example

▫️ Original pattern: 100 cm chest circumference

▫️ Your measurement: 90 cm → difference of −10 cm

▫️ Project: raglan or bottom-up vest (like our Chou Vest )

Here's how to do it:

1️⃣ Divide the difference by the number of pieces (eg. 4 for a raglan = back, front x2, sleeves).

2️⃣ Convert the centimeters to remove into the number of stitches according to your gauge.

💡 Example:
If your gauge is 22 stitches per 10 cm, then 2.5 cm ≈ 5–6 stitches to remove per section.

Step 3: Adjust the length

Are you taller or shorter than the pattern's height? Adjust the lengths too!

▫️ Measure the desired gap.

▫️ Calculate the number of rows to remove or add according to your height sample.

How to shorten a knitting pattern?
Measure the gap, calculate the rows to remove, distribute them after the ribbing or between the patterns, without touching the armholes.

Step 4: Apply the changes to your favorite templates 🎉

Here's how we would adapt our flagship patterns:

▫️ Festi Vest : Remove 2.5 cm on each front and back for a more fitted fit.

▫️ Mon Amour Sweater : adjust the width and make sure the heart patterns remain centered.

▫️ Strippie Sweater : Perfect for beginners! Easily change the width of the stripes or turn it into a solid pattern.

The Knit-Sis Legacy: Why Trust Us?

Our knitting authority 💪

Two generations of passion:
A grandmother, an aunt, two sisters: Lenny & Louise , 20 years of experience and hundreds of knitted, tested, adored projects.

Discover our patterns 💥

▫️ 💕 Explore our colorful patterns suitable for all levels:

👉 Coquelicot Top (free – perfect for getting started)

👉 Mon Amour Sweater (intarsia & expert adjustments)

👉 Cabbage Vest (beginner-friendly and ultra customizable)

💌 Share your adaptations on Instagram by tagging @knitterssisters – we love seeing your projects come to life!

In summary

▫️ Take your measurements

▫️ Calculate the difference in stitches and rows

▫️ Apply the changes according to your model

▫️ Test our tools and get inspired by our patterns

👉 Discover our adjustable, cheerful and stylish models, right here!

Happy adapting — and happy knitting 🧶