Knitting is sometimes compared to cooking in that some people like to follow a recipe to the letter while others like to put their own spin and throw in a rogue ingredient or two. Whether this is because they don’t have all the ingredients they need available or want to personalise their creation, it sometimes pays to be rebellious.
Personalise your patterns
All knitting patterns can be modified to make them a different size or add a personalised touch to make them stand out or be unique. Whether you decide to use a different material to the one specified in the pattern, whether because you can’t find the yarn included or have a preference for another yarn, it is unlikely to be a problem as long as you understand the effect it may have on the finished item.
If you choose to opt for a chunky yarn rather than a standard one, make sure you use a conversion chart for loop yarns to see how it might affect the dimensions of your knit. If you want to look at different types of chunky yarn, visit The Wool Couture Company or another specialist retailer.
Be edgy
An easy way to customise a knitting pattern and make it bigger is to add a border with extra columns and rows on all sides. This will result in a more finished look.
Repeat and repeat again
Patterns with repeating rows can be stretched by simply increasing the number of repeats both vertically and horizontally. A Fair Isle knitted tank top is proving popular with shoppers, which is an example of something knitters can recreate and add their personal touch with extra rows.
Finishing touches
For a really personal look, consider adding creative finishes such as tassels and pompoms. These are not only fun to make but also add interest to what is a common knit. You may even decide to make one of these features your signature style, along with embellishments such as shapes and lettering for a unique touch.
