Pattern Writing For Math IDIOTS

[saracidaltendencies]

Does anyone know of a book or resource that would be good for someone whose math skills are completely embarrassing yet wants to write out their own patterns?

I really want to create my own pattern for a tank top/camisole with waist shaping...I did find a site that tells you how to figure waist shaping, but, she started throwing out so many numbers and multiply this or divide that, subtract this, add that and I just couldn't follow....Seriously, when I start seeing so many numbers and mathematical instructions, no matter how hard I try not to, I completely tune it out...I don't have the patience to follow along.

I've tried searching for patterns online, but, I just cannot find exactly what I want...I sketched out a design that I really like but just thinking about having to do the math is too overwhelming...Math is not and never has been my strong point.

I can accept some simple math (like 2+2...haha) but anything seemingly complicated just makes my head spin.

What's the best way for a math idiot to learn how to figure out their own design?

Thanks!

[Jan in CA]

Oh I hear you.. math is not my friend either. I've learned over the years to figure some things out.. percentages for instance - but I do it my own way.

I've toyed with the idea of getting this software, but haven't. I see they have a demo version which might help decide.
http://www.knittingsoftware.com/knittingmathwizard.htm

[mwhite]

I don't know of any books....best advice: one step at the time!
Alot has to do with multiplication so that is the biggest step and force to overcome.... Remember those aptitude tests we had in grade school? You know the ones that say:
How many minutes does it take Mary to get to Demonica's house if she's going 25mph on her bike and Demonica lives 43.5 miles away????
Geesh, hated those...

[saracidaltendencies]

hahaha...Mhmm, I hated those dumb word problems too!

[saracidaltendencies]

Oh I hear you.. math is not my friend either. I've learned over the years to figure some things out.. percentages for instance - but I do it my own way.

I've toyed with the idea of getting this software, but haven't. I see they have a demo version which might help decide.
http://www.knittingsoftware.com/knittingmathwizard.htm

Oooh, thank you, Jan, and, I have a b-day coming up, maybe hubby can get it for me!

[mwhite]

Another thing...I used to consider myself a COMPLETE math idiot but strangely enough, sewing and knitting have greatly improved my math skills and I even understand Pi!

[Mike]

Well you need to be able to do simple math or you'll never get your size right with your guage.

Sweater Design in Plain English by Maggie Righetti is good and it explains the math.
If you can design a sweater you can do anything.

I'd say with that book you'd be able to take the design part and easily modify one of her "patterns" (which are more like "how to's") and come up with a top.

My sister also tunes out if I tell her something is algebra, yet she's able to do it if she doesn't think of it as math.
Most of the math is,
Your gauge = 4 stitches to the inch.
You need 24 inches. 4x24= 96 stitches
Now you need 32" or 8" more so you need to increase 4x8=32 (edited to add "32 stitches not inches" I guess it coming out the same as needed inches threw me off).

Increasing evenly over one row is more difficult. You have to think of the spaces instead of the stitches.

You could always try it on as you go. You can also draw it on graph paper and count (also described in the above book).

[saracidaltendencies]

...and I even understand Pi!

That's what you put in an oven and bake, right??

[mwhite]

Yeah and just how many slices will you have if the outer radius of the slice is 3" on a 9" pi???

[Jan in CA]

Yeah and just how many slices will you have if the outer radius of the slice is 3" on a 9" pi???

Oooh, thank you, Jan, and, I have a b-day coming up, maybe hubby can get it for me!

Get the demo first to see if it's worthwhile. I haven't tried it yet, but I downloaded the demo this morning.