v.3 Using Scrap Yarn to Aid Measuring…

Many of you have asked about a longer version of Chic Knits new Abria pattern and I’ve been working on a sample (made in Silky Wool) to test out some shaping mods…

Lots of progress was made this weekend and I added a few inches to the original length and at the same time, added stitches to the body of the piece.

The general plan? Everywhere the pattern said to do an underarm decrease, I instead did a paired increase. This now gives the cardigan a slight swing shape; but to be sure it was time to go up on the Studio Chic mannequin and give it a real-time inspection. (No fit mannequin? No problem – lay out flat on a table and do the same checks as below…)

At first, I slipped about half the stitches to a spare circular needle so the stitches were split between two needles. Although this works in a pinch pretty well, this time it just flared out dramatically (the needle cables were too stiff) and it didn’t really give me a honest perspective on what was going on with my mods.

So, it was time to try a little tip that requires a small time commitment but really lets you go forward with confidence about your progress.

To get a flatter manageable edge, I slipped the stitches off the working needles onto yarn that’s a little larger gauge than what I’m knitting with. The bulkier yarn aids in preventing bottom rolling.

Then I moved and slid the stitches around on the scrap yarn to be as evenly distributed as I could to create and edge without as much flare or flip as I could.

Now, keep in mind, this is un-blocked fabric and might still pucker a little and not look 100% perfect, but overall, it is a nice and relatively easy way to get accurate dimensions established. I can see that my shaping is working and I can go on finish the body section knowing I hit the goal I was shooting for with my mods.

If you prefer a smoother appraisal, take a page from sewing techniques and steam press the garment in-progress and then take your measurments.

This is also the perfect time to Try On Your Sweater! Take advantage of one of the best reasons to knit garments from the top-down to see if your fit is meeting your expectations. I also laid my sweater flat on another sweater that fits me really well to get even more fit information.