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Body Measurement Charts & Gauge!
🕑 Added 2021-10-01 12:27:04 +0000 UTC
Hello dear students! I would like to introduce you to our wonderful body measurement models: Maxine, Mildred, and Margaret! These lovely ladies designed by Alice Negri will illustrate where & how to take certain measurements that will be inputted into Squid School patterns. You’ll start by choosing one of the options below, and either print out a copy or open it with a PDF reader. The Taking Body Measurements video is here to help guide you through the chart, and give demonstrations of how to take these measurements (please see separate Taking Body Measurements Video post).
The charts begin with a space to insert the knitter’s name, the pattern, and the date. This will help you stay organized and keep track of which chart is used for each pattern. Most patterns will require a new chart, as you will need to input ease and gauge calculations as well as measurements. You’re welcome to reuse your measurements from the previous chart, though I would recommend retaking your measurements every 4 - 6 months to ensure accuracy.
There is an additional handout below on how to take your gauge. This handout is intended to emphasize the importance of a good gauge swatch, and walks you through a step-by-step process on how to read your stitch and row gauge.
Please note that there may be accessory patterns in the future that don’t require the body measurement chart. However, all garment patterns will use this system! There may also be specialty measurements unique to a particular pattern, though these will be explained in full detail within the pattern notes.
This method of pattern writing might feel a bit scary at first, and that’s okay! I am here to help you, and I’m sure many of your fellow students are willing to help out too. You can do this! Now, get out those measuring tapes, and pick your favorite sheet to fill out!
xoxo
Sydney
Comments
Hi Sydney! I’m super excited to get started on my Homefront jumper. I just have a question regarding the gauge. In the pdf you demonstrated how to do stitch and row gauge…what do I then do with those numbers? Do I add them together and then I put that number into my measurements chart?
Chloe Steenvoorden
How do you change row gauge when your stitch gauge is correct? I have 2 extra rows per inch than required for the home front
That’s what I did. Just wasn’t sure since it has a ribbing type feel.
I don't think the swatch needs to be aggressively blocked-- I usually fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a little bit of Soak, and let the swatch sit in there for about 5-10 minutes. I will then squeeze the water out and lay it flat to dry on a towel, and measure it after it's finished drying!
How aggressively should I be wet blocking my swatch?
This is a great question! Technically, you could do either option. If you are wanting the same look (as far as scale/ size of stitches), I would suggest trying to get to the gauge indicated in the pattern. However, this system of pattern writing allows you to change gauge if you want to, since it's all based on measurements! Keep in mind that this may shift the required yardage, though. I hope this answers your question! :)
Regarding gauge, if I have less stitches in my swatch than the gauge written on the pattern I would normally go down a needle size and try again, but I'm a little confused due to the gauge column in the measurement chart. Does this mean that I plug in the gauge as is from my swatch, or should I redo the swatch and until the gauge is the 5 stitches across and plug that into the measurement chart? I hope this makes sense haha
as a sewist I am accustomed to and enjoy measurement charts as they are so handy. these are mighty cute and inclusive. so appreciative of that!
Knits and Bonnets
Amazing!
Nicole Zander
Great charts. <3
Brilliant! All filled up and ready to go! xx
These measuring charts are darling! Thank you SO much to you and Marlavonduta for creating them!
