Question for more expert knitters

[omorka]

I have a pattern for a cardigan that I think might actually look okay on me, and with minimal finishing (I suck at sewing). Unfortunately, I have a 51" bust, and the largest size of the pattern is a 50" - and it's meant to be worn with a couple of inches of positive ease.

Is is possible to deliberately not get the recommended gauge, such that the difference in the gauge given in the pattern and mine will resize the pattern? For instance, suppose the original gauge was that 16 stitches in the patten = 4". To get 50", one would need 200 stitches. If, instead, I deliberately chose needles that gave me a gauge of 16 stitches = 4.25", then theoretically that would give me 53 1/8". Does that actually work, or am I missing some technicality that would render the finished fabric unsuitable for the intended use? I realize the knit fabric itself would be slightly looser than the original garment if I just use the suggested yarn.

*sigh* This would be easier if people would just make a larger spread of sizes to begin with. I know too many fat knitters to believe that all the designers are sticks.

Comments

[zortified.livejournal.com]

Yes, going up a needle size (or two or whatever) is a traditional way of making the finished size of the product larger. So you should be fine.

[pinesandmaples]

The caveat I would add to your statement is: if the knitter doing the rejiggering likes the resulting fabric.

Otherwise, yes, agree.

[zortified.livejournal.com]

Well, yes, but she says in her post that she's aware the fabric will be looser. :-)

[pinesandmaples]

I have watched people continue to knit a fabric that they dislike because "this just has to work" or "the lady at the yarn store said this was fine, even though I don't really like it."

As knitters, we delude ourselves often to avoid frogging and reckless pain. I know I am guilty of that on a regular basis.

[zortified.livejournal.com]

But that's not the same thing as not knowing the fabric will be looser if using larger needles. I was assuming that, since she said she was aware of it, that she was taking that factor into account and just wanted to know about sizing.

Whether she likes the resulting project will depend on a lot of things, including the color of the yarn and fibre and whether her head hurts the day she has to weave in the ends.

[emmacrew.livejournal.com]

Depends somewhat on the drape and shape of the original garment (fitted vs. flowing, frex). It might be wise to go to slightly thicker yarn with your larger needles, or it might be fine as is. I'd make a big swatch (well, I'd probably start a sleeve) - at least 6 or 8 inches in each direction - measure it well, then hang it for a couple of days to decide if the hand of the fabric seemed right. Too-loose fabric can stretch lengthwise, which would make it end up narrower overall again -- so if the original gauge was on the loose side for the yarn, it could be sad-making. If the original gauge is on the firm side for the yarn, it could be beautiful.

[pinesandmaples]

minimal finishing (I suck at sewing)

You know I do finishing, right? For very, very cheap.

I also recommend people like yourself who are multi-craftual look into the slip stitch crochet seam. It's my favorite seam in the whole world because it looks great, works, is low profile, and requires not a single sewn stitch.