How to Alter Knitwear: A Comprehensive Guide

Knitwear is a popular choice for many due to its comfort, versatility, and style. However, over time, our body shapes may change, or we may simply want to give our favorite knitted items a new look. Altering knitwear can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve impressive results. In this article, we will discuss how to alter knitwear effectively, ensuring that your favorite garments fit perfectly and look stunning.

1. Assess the Knitwear

Before you start altering your knitwear, it’s essential to assess the fabric and understand its properties. Different types of knitted fabrics have different behaviors and may require different techniques for alteration. Common types of knitwear include:

– Cotton: Soft and breathable, but prone to stretching.
– Wool: Warm and durable, but can be prone to felting.
– Acrylic: Durable and affordable, but may not be as soft as natural fibers.
– Silk: Luxurious and delicate, requiring gentle handling.

Understanding the fabric’s properties will help you choose the appropriate tools and techniques for your alteration project.

2. Measure the Garment

Take precise measurements of the garment to determine where and how much you need to alter it. Use a soft measuring tape and measure the following:

– Chest/bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest or bust.
– Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of the waist.
– Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips.
– Length: Measure from the shoulder to the desired hem length.

Compare these measurements to your body measurements to determine if you need to add or remove length, width, or volume.

3. Choose the Right Tools

To alter knitwear effectively, you’ll need the following tools:

– Scissors: Use sharp, small scissors to cut through the knitwear without fraying.
– Yarn: Choose yarn that matches the color and texture of the original fabric.
– Needles: Select needles that correspond to the yarn’s size for knitting or crocheting adjustments.
– Stitch markers: These are helpful for marking the points where you’ll make changes.

4. Make Adjustments

Now that you have your tools and measurements, it’s time to make the alterations. Here are some common alterations for knitwear:

– Adding Length: Knit a new section of fabric using the same pattern and yarn, then sew it into the garment where needed.
– Shortening Length: Trim the excess fabric from the bottom of the garment, or unravel the bottom section and re-knit it to a shorter length.
– Adding Width: Knit a new section of fabric and sew it into the side seams of the garment.
– Narrowing Width: Trim the excess fabric from the side seams or unravel the side seams and re-knit them to a narrower width.
– Adding Volume: Knit a new section of fabric and sew it into the garment where you want to add volume.

5. Test the Fit

After making the alterations, try on the garment to ensure it fits well. Make any necessary adjustments to the seams or fabric to achieve the desired fit.

6. Finishing Touches

Finally, finish the altered knitwear by weaving in any loose ends and pressing the seams if needed. This will give your garment a polished look and ensure it lasts longer.

In conclusion, altering knitwear can be a rewarding and creative endeavor. By following these steps and using the right techniques, you can give your favorite knitted items a new lease on life. Happy knitting!