How To Care For Your Lovely Cashmere And Other Yarns

We have all been given a sweater that we love but it just does not fit well.  Or we have made a sweater that just was too big.  Or we have found a great sweater from the op-shop that we need to adjust to fit.  So how do we alter our sweater?

The following steps are an easy way to alter your sweater so that it fits perfectly.  I unfortunately do not have any photos right now but I will add some next time I alter one of my projects.


1.  Turn the sweater inside out and put it on.  

2.  Pin the areas you would like to take in.  Remember to gently grade any seams that you want to fit a little more snuggly (usually you will want your sleeps slightly tapered in).

3.  Baste the seams (with a sewing machine or by hand...though with a sewing machine you will do this very quickly!).  Basting is a temporary seam that is made with long, removable stitches.  This helps you check that you will wind up with correct sizing.

4.  Re-try on your sweater to ensure you have altered to the size you desire.  Make any size adjustments necessary.  Be sure to check that you have left enough room in the bust and across your back.  I usually do a few arm motions to check for any areas that may have been made too snug or may be too loose.

5.  Sew over the basting.

6.  Now trim the edge leaving an allowance of about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch (about 1 to 2cm).

7.  To ensure that you do not have fraying, it is recommended that you place a zigzag stitch over the edge where the fabric has been cut.  Or you can alternatively serge the edge.

Now you should have a fabulous fitted sweater ready to wear.  This is a very easy process and can be used for many of your knitted or crocheted items.