Sweater Wizard & A Short Sleeve
One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive regarding Sweater Wizard is “How do I generate a pattern for a short sleeve?”.
Some users are fooled because the default sleeve in Sweater Wizard is long. However, every sleeve can be adjusted in length. The sleeve can be made longer or shorter. And it is very simple to do.
At the right of the sleeve body, there is a measurement in a box. In the above schematic, the measurement is 14.25″. This measurements represents the length of the sleeve from the top of the cuff (wrist) to the underarm. It is the length of the portion of the sweater that is commonly referred to as the sleeve body.
The user can change this length to a preferred length. Type in the desired length, for example 1, for a very short sleeve. Press the Enter/Return key on the keyboard to recalculate and the sleeve will become a short sleeve and the pattern will be recalculated.
The user can make the sleeve full length, short or anything between. However, there are some considerations.
The circumference of the sleeve should be noted when shortening the sleeve. The forearm and the upper arm are both wider than the wrist. It is important to adjust the bottom width measurement when changing the length of the sleeve.
This morning, a user in Sweater Wizard Group, asked how to generate a pattern in Sweater Wizard with a sleeve to the elbow.
Here are the steps for a sleeve to the elbow.
1. Using a tape measure, measure the arm circumference just above the elbow. Add the amount of desired ease to that measurement.
2. Enter the measurement at the bottom of the sleeve schematic and press the Enter/Return key on the keyboard to recalculate.
3. Using a tape measure, measure from the middle of the back neck to the elbow. Write this number down.
4. Look at the schematic for the body of the sweater. Divide the back neck by 2. Write the number down and add to it both the shoulder width and the cap height.
5. Subtract the total in step 4 from the measurement in step 3. This will be the length of your sleeve to the elbow.
6. Subtract the length of the rib that you wish to use.
7. Enter this number into the sleeve body box and press the Enter/Return key on the keyboard to recalculate your pattern.
Once you have the basic “to the elbow” sleeve pattern, you can then customize it more. For instance, if you wish to have a wider sleeve, then add more ease to the bottom width, and then click the Options Menu and change the rib percentage for the sleeve from 90 to 80 percent. This will give you a close fitting rib with extra fabric above the rib.
Filed under: Knitting, Software, Sweater Wizard by cwulster
Thank you! Very clearly put. Even I can follow it.
Carole,
Great adjustment for a short sleeve! I have a problem with SW sleeves having too much ease in the upper arm area, like about 2″ going down a size would be too small at the hip and bust I even used the A-line shape, have you any suggestions? Any one had this problem before? Really love the SW………………Thanks
Ruth in San Diego
Hi Carol:
How do I put a published pattern into Sweater Wizard to
change size or gauge,? People say it is simple, but how can I get it to print out the instructions for a pattern already written? Would the Knitting Wizard be more suitable for this.
I sometimes find a pattern that I love but it is not sized large enough. I have much yarn that I would like to use
but pattern calls for a different wieght or gauge. Thanking you in advance for your help,
Marianne
Hi Marianne,
You may be under a misapprehension. Sweater Wizard is not going to print your published pattern word for word! However, it will provide you with new numbers so that you can knit the published pattern in your gauge, size and with your yarn.
Please look for the schematic on your published pattern. Determine from the schematic the type of armhole and the general style of the sweater.
Now open Sweater Wizard and choose that type of pattern. Enter your gauge and your size.
You will now have a Sweater Wizard schematic. For the width of the sweater and sleeve length make any custom measurements that you need. Now look at the neck of the sweater of the published pattern and determine the ratio of the neck width and depth at your size to the published pattern. Ask yourself questions like is the depth of the neck on the published pattern deeper than Sweater Wizard’s default. IF so, in comparison to the armhole, how much. Then change the number in Sweater Wizard.
Bit by bit you are customizing the shape of the Sweater Wizard pattern to match the published pattern.
Once you are finished, save and print.
Now, you can knit the sweater using the general directions from the published pattern, but using the actual numbers from Sweater Wizard.
Soon you will find yourself able to thumb through pattern books or magazines, get ideas and create your own sweater from scratch in Sweater Wizard.
I am always available for help. You can reach me at support@knittingsoftware.com.
Caroel