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grading down a pattern and using a knit
blessedtosew Intermediate AL USA Member since 4/16/08 Posts: 861	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/25/12 3:15 PM I have a pattern that is the correct size for me. However, I would like to make it in a stretch knit and the pattern calls for a woven. I read somewhere one time to just make the pattern a size smaller. However, my size is the smallest size on the pattern. I would just buy the envelope that has the smaller size, but this is a pattern I bought at a thrift store, so it is way out of print. If I just grade it down a size, do you think that would work? -- Edited on 9/25/12 3:15 PM --
rmusic1 Advanced Beginner UNITED KINGDOM Member since 7/3/10 Posts: 706	Login to reply to this post In reply to blessedtosew << Like this post Date: 9/25/12 3:34 PM I have made one dress recently in a knit. The pattern said you could use a knit or woven. It was my first ever knit dress. I wanted to play it safe, so only went down (at cutting stage) one size at the waist and cut everything else in my usual size. My knit was very stretchy and I ended up taking in one size at the hips, at least 2 sizes down from my original waist size and I think it still needs taking in. So yes, I would go down at least one size overall. I would look at the size change between your current size and the next size up and use that as a guide to size down. Good luck!
Aixoise   Advanced CA USA Member since 7/6/04 Posts: 303	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/25/12 5:27 PM How stable is your knit? And how heavy? Amount of stretch and thinness or thickness of fabric could make a difference in the size you need.
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7402	Login to reply to this post In reply to blessedtosew << Like this post Date: 9/25/12 8:44 PM In general, you can use a knit for any pattern designed for wovens (can't go the other way, though). However, as has been pointed out, the stretch and weight of your knit are factors. A firm cotton double knit should be almost perfectly interchangeable with a woven, but a thin, stretchy rayon/lycra could be another kettle of fish. The neck and shoulders--from which the garment hangs--should be about the same. The tricky bits are the amount of ease around the bust, waist, and hips. Why not either overlay or flat-pattern measure your woven pattern with a favorite knit pattern, to compare the shape and ease? -- Edited on 9/25/12 8:45 PM --

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