Yarn companies print a warning on a ball band so that knitters cannot hold the company liable if the garment is ruined by ironing or incorrect washing.

If you choose to ignore the ball band warning, use a knitted sample or tension square to try your own method of washing and ironing. But do remember that the yarn company has warned you for your protection and theirs.

Can I wear it?

The composition advice will enable you to avoid yarns that could trigger an allergy or cause irritation. Some people can’t wear wool, others have to avoid mohair, and angora is another problem for some wearers.

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Will this fit?

Some knitwear patterns are one-size-fits-all, which I don’t believe, but others are written in several sizes. Look at the measurements printed at the beginning of the pattern.

The most important measurement is the width, usually measured around the chest, a few inches or centimetres below the arms. Make a circle with a tape measure around the body, holding the loop at the measurement stated in the pattern. Allow for movement, the garment isn’t usually meant to be skin tight, and if necessary, go up a size or down a size.

Check the suggested length for body and arms, but these measurements can easily be changed, so they are not as important.

Remember to buy more yarn if you want the length to be much longer than the length in the pattern.



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