Pattern changing

AAngels · 10-22-2008, 10:19 PM

When changing a pattern from plus size to a regular S-L size, do u change hook size according to skein of yarn or follow what pattern has?

I am doing a pattern which suggests hook size N but skein shows J.
Which one do I use?
I did a swatch with the N and it works out accordingly.

Thanks
Kathy

OffJumpsJack · 10-23-2008, 10:00 PM

Crochet stitches have both width and height differences, so changing the hook size will affect both the width and the length of the garment.

If it is a cardigan, reducing the hook size may just give you a cropped cardigan with 3/4 length sleaves and a waist line rising with the tides. So you might be able to do that if you add rows following the same pattern. But the look and feel of the fabric will change too.

A small hook may cause the fabric to be stiffer, with a tighter weave. The details of the pattern may even run together and diminish the desired visual effect.

The better method is reducing the number of stitches and/or rows. Identify where you can reduce the number of stitches without affecting the overall pattern. If the pattern repeats every 10 stitches and your guage tells you how many stitches to the inch.

So, it really does depend on the pattern you are using.

--Jack

AAngels · 10-28-2008, 08:43 PM

OffJumpsJack · 10-29-2008, 05:14 AM

AAngels,
Sorry I it wasn't much help. Can you post a link to the pattern (or give one or two of the repeating rows in the pattern), what is the guage (stitches per inch and rows per inch), count in foundation chain, and how much you need to reduce the size (in inches). The more details you can give the better answer you are likely to get.

If the difference is small, then you can try one size smaller hook to see if that gives you a better fit. You jcould make two swatches, first one using the guage of the pattern and that is at least 4 inches wide and 4 inches long and includes at least two repeats of the pattern(s). Then the second swatch using a smaller hook but the same number of stitches and rows as the first swatch. Compare the size difference and multiply it out for the number of stitches in the pattern to see if it will size it down enough or too much.

--Jack

suzeeq · 10-29-2008, 03:02 PM

If it's a similar yarn as in the pattern, then it's supposed to be a looser fabric. If it's not, then the yarn is much thinner. You could try a sample to see how many sts/inch you get and if making the larger size will give you the size you need. If it does, you will have to adjust for length.