Getting the Best Fit

When you knit and wear a Rowan design we want you to look and feel wonderful.

This all starts with the size and fit of the design you choose.

To help you to achieve a great knitting experience our sizing conforms to standard clothing sizes. Therefore if you buy a standard size 12 in clothing, then our medium patterns will fit you perfectly. The menswear designs are available to knit in sizes XSmall through to 2XL ie. 38” to 50” chest. Dimensions in the charts below are body measurstrongents, not garment dimensions, therefore please refer to the measuring guide to help you to determine which is the best size for you to knit.

Sizing Diagram

The instructions are given for the smallest size. Where they vary, work the figures in brackets for the larger sizes. One set of figures refers to all sizes. Included with most patterns is a size diagram, see image opposite of the finished garment and its dimensions. The measurement shown at the bottom of each size diagram shows the garment width 2.5cm below the armhole shaping.

To help you choose the size of garment to knit please refer to the sizing guide. Generally in the majority of designs the welt width (at the cast on edge of the garment) is the same width as the chest. However, some designs are ‘A-Line’ in shape or flared edge and in these cases welt width will be wider than the chest width.

Measuring Guide

For maximum comfort and to ensure the correct fit when choosing a size to knit, please follow the tips below when checking your size. Measure yourself close to your body, over your underwear and don’t pull the tape measure too tight!

Bust/chest | measure around the fullest part of the bust/chest and across the shoulder blades.

Waist | measure around the natural waistline, just above the hip bone.

Hips | measure around the fullest part of the bottom.

If you don’t wish to measure yourself, note the size of a favourite jumper that you like the fit of.

Our sizes are comparable to clothing sizes from major high street retailers, so if your favourite jumper is a size medium or size 12, then our size medium should be approximately the same fit To be extra sure, measure your favourite jumper and then compare measurements with the Rowan size diagram given at the end of the individual instructions.

Finally, once you have decided which size is best for you, please ensure that you achieve the tension required for the design you wish to knit.

Remember if your tension is too loose, your garment will be bigger than the pattern size and you may use more yarn. If your tension is too tight, your garment could be smaller than the pattern size and you will have yarn left over.

Furthermore if your tension is incorrect, the handle of your fabric will be too stiff or floppy and will not fit properly. It really does make sense to check your tension before starting every project.

Standard Fitting Guide for Women
Bust 32–34 36–38 40–42 44–46 48–50 inches
81–86 91–97 102–107 112–117 122–127 cm
Waist 24–26 28–30 32–34 36–38 40–42 inches
61–66 71–76 81–86 91–97 102–107 cm
Hips 34–36 38–40 42–44 46–48 50–52 inches
86–91 97–102 107–112 117–122 127–132 cm
Standard Fitting Guide for Men and Unisex
Chest 32–34 36–38 40–42 44–46 48–50 50–52 inches
81–86 91–97 102–107 112–117 122–127 132–137 cm
Waist 24–26 28–30 32–34 36–38 40–42 44–46 inches
61–66 71–76 81–86 91–97 102–107 112–117 cm
Standard Fitting Guide for Children
3yr 4yr 5yr 6yr 7yr 8yr 9yr 10yr 11yr
Height 38.5 41 43.75 45.5 48 50.25 52.75 55 57.5 inches
98 104 110 116 122 128 134 140 146 cm
Chest 21.5 22.5 23 24 25 26.5 27 28.75 29.5 inches
55 57 59 61 63 67 69 73 75 cm
Waist 21 21.25 21.5 22.25 23 23.75 24 25 25.25 inches
53 55 55 57 58 60 61 64 65 cm
Hips 22.75 24.5 24.5 25.5 26.75 28 28.75 30.75 31.5 inches
58 62 62 65 68 71 73 78 80 cm
Standard Fitting Guide for Baby
0-3m 3-6m 6-9m 9–12m 12-18m 2y
Height 22–24.5 24.5–26.5 26.5–29 29–31.5 31.5–34 36 inches
56–62 62–68 68–74 74–80 80–86 92 cm
Width 4.5–6 6–8 8–9.5 9.5–11 – – inches
10–14 14–18 18–21 21–24 – – cm
Chest – – – – 19.25–20 20.75 inches
– – – – 49–51 53 cm
Waist – – – – 19.5–20 20.5 inches
– – – – 50–51 52 cm
Hips – – – – 20.5–21.25 22 inches
– – – – 52–54 56 cm