How to Crochet a Plus Size Cardigan

Adjust cardigan patterns and create plus-size garments.

Creating your own clothes and accessories opens up an entire world of style and creative variations for your wardrobe. It is not uncommon to find a crochet cardigan pattern you love, only to learn that the pattern instructions don't include the size you need. Many patterns can be enlarged to the size and fit desired. With a few specific pieces of information, and a bit of math to determine the new number of stitches for each section, you are well on your way to customizing a garment

Things You'll Need

• Flexible cloth or plastic measuring tape
• Writing paper
• Pencil
• Cardigan pattern

Instructions

Body Measurements and Pattern Analysis

1. Measure the diameter of the arms, chest, waist and hips of the person you are making the garment for using a flexible tape measure. Note each measurement, in inches, on paper and save.

2. Measure arm length and shoulder-to-waist length. Note each measurement, in inches, on paper and save.

3. Compare your measurements to the dimensions noted in the pattern and determine how many inches to add to each piece of the garment. Determine the difference by subtracting the inches on the pattern from the measurements you took. Make note of the increases needed for each piece.

Adjust the Pattern

1. Calculate the number of stitches per inch and rows per inch required for the original pattern. Use the gauge listed on the pattern to determine this calculation. If, for example, the gauge on the original pattern states that 12 stitches equals 2 inches and 12 rows equal 4 inches, then the number of stitches per inch is six and the number of rows per inch is three.

2. Convert the size differences between the original pattern and the desired new size to the number of additional stitches and rows required to upsize the garment. Using our sample gauge of 6 stitches per inch and 3 rows per inch, add 3 inches to the width of the garment by multiplying the number of inches, 3, by the number of stitches per inch, 6, resulting in 18 additional stitches. Add 18 stitches to each pattern row to increase the width of the garment by 3 inches.

3. Repeat the pattern conversion calculations for each part of the garment pattern.

4. Create the garment following all other pattern instructions. Substitute your new row and stitch counts as needed, resulting in the larger size garment.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjusting the size of the pattern works best on simple designs without motifs or other more complicated design elements.

• Be sure to calculate all stitch increases and all row increases separately. Pattern gauges generally distinguish rows from stitches, so be sure to use the correct gauge when altering each piece of the pattern.

References

• JPF Crochet Club: Enlarging Patterns

Resources

• Lion Brand Yarn: Learn to Crochet, Increasing and Decreasing