Calculating the size for a sweater

Dear users, dear authors,
stjerne61 suggested this topic in the other thread . I’m starting a separate thread for it so the topic gets more attention.

Quote:
How do I calculate or determine the size for a sweater?

I’m a complete beginner when it comes to crocheting and knitting clothes.
I’d like to crochet a children’s sweater, but I have absolutely no idea how to determine the sizes.
Are there any measurements I should use, or what do I need to keep in mind?

I’m sure I could find something on Google or YouTube, but you’re the experts here.

It would be great if I could get a few tips.

Best regards, Petra

End of quote

Here is a reply from CreatOwl:

Start of quote
Oh yes - those tricky measurements.

Since these often do not match real people, I have taken to starting crochet sweaters from the top down.
That way, by trying it on in between, you can tell whether you can already move on to the next step.
If the person (man, woman, child) is not available, you can either
use a suitable item of clothing or a measuring tape
Of course, provided that the measurements are known.

I would work a knitted sweater in rounds starting from the bottom and then continue the front and back separately from the armhole onwards.

You see, I try to avoid seams wherever possible.
End of quote

I’d also avoid seams if possible, but I don’t have a real-life model or a child’s sweater on hand.

If I were crocheting something for myself, that wouldn’t be a problem—I’d just take measurements. But I really want to crochet a children’s sweater. I always see size specifications in the patterns, like 86 / 92 / 98 for one pattern. How does that work? Do I add a little extra for each size?

Regards, Petra

I think I’d go about it the same way with kids as with adults and just ask for their measurements. Maybe ask the parents? I’d simply ask for measurements like arm length, chest circumference, or the length from the waist to the shoulders, and then maybe add a few centimeters because kids are still growing.
The neckline is also important for children’s sweaters because kids have larger heads relative to adults. So either make the neckline a little wider or choose a style that can be buttoned or closed in some other way.

I’d do it the same way as iglinz.

Hey there!

There are size charts online that list important measurements like chest circumference, sleeve length, etc.
However, I’d make it easier on myself and either buy a sweater in the right size at a charity shop or a discount store for 1–2 € and use that as a guide ;)

Best regards

Thanks, Nina—I’ll probably do that too; everything else seems too complicated to me.

Best regards, Petra