Modify a pattern?

I bought a new pattern and want to modify it. I want to add more knitting patterns to the sweater. I can adjust the number of stitches accordingly and hope that the stretchiness of the fabric will remain similar.

But here’s the question I’m asking myself now: It’s hard for me to visualize what the finished sweater will look like. The original has a very simple design—how can I avoid making it look too busy with my changes? Are there any guidelines I can follow?

Sketch out what you want to knit as a schematic pattern; that way, you can gauge whether it will work or end up looking too busy.

Best regards, Inge

Maybe you could sketch it out briefly for yourself. Just draw a picture of the sweater with the patterns you’re adding—it only needs to be rough, not exact down to the stitch. But then you’ll at least have a rough idea.