Wow! Guys

I have received more than a few requests for an adult version of oknitting's "Your First Sweater". The sweater appears today in Accord Publishing's Knitting: a pattern-a-day calendar. Unfortunately, my current work load means that I am unable to fulfill this request at this time. However, I have heard you and when there is time, dear knitters, when there is time your request will be satisfied.
For those of you who wish to try re-sizing this sweater yourself here are some helpful hints.
Steps to determine the number of stitches required for the front or back
1) Take your measurements (Example: 40 inches)
2) Divide this number in half (Example: 20)
2a)Depending on the type of fit you would like add inches for fit. For a very close fit add no inches. For a close fit add 1 to 2 inches. For a standard fit add 2 to 4 inches. For a loose-fit add 4 to 6 inches. For an oversized fit add 6 inches.
3) Work a sample swatch to determine the number of stitches per inch (Example: 4 stitches per inch)
Multiply the number you received in step 2 to number you obtained in step 3. (Example: 80 stitches) (please add stitches required for stitches. For example, for a close fit add 4 to 8 stitches. For a standard fit add 8 to 16 stitches. For a loose-fit add 16 to 24 stitches. For a oversized fit add 24 stitches.)
This number is the number of stitches required for the back or front. Please remember you will need to knit both a front and back.
Steps to determine the number of stitches required for the sleeves
1)The sleeves usually range from 8.5 to 9 inches for woman.
2)Multiply this number by 2. (Example: 8.5 x 2 = 17)
3) Multiply this number by the number of stitches per inch (Example: 17 x 4 = 68 stitches)
Determine length by measuring the length of a favourite sweater.
Determine the amount of yarn required.
Okay, this is the scary part. In fact, some knitters maybe shocked to read what I am about to write. However, this has always worked for me.
What I do is this:
1)Select a ball of yarn (200 yards/182 metres)
2)Determine your sweater size (Example: I am a medium)
3)Now, I buy a ball of yarn for each of the sleeves and two balls of yarn for the front and two for the back. So I buy six balls of yarn.
If you are a size larger buy one more ball (Example: L = 7 balls, XL = 8 balls, and so on.)
This is merely an approximation. This will only work with a ball of yarn with yardage of 200 yards/182 metres. If a smaller yardage is selected you will need more yarn balls.
I hope you found this post helpful.

Copyright Leanne Dyck January, 2007