Buy
Sufficient MaterialAt the time you make your initial purchase of the yarn for
the garment you intend to make, it is important that you buy the complete amount of each
color necessary to finish the article, making sure that it is all of one dye lot number as
the next lot number of any color may differ slightly in shade from the original lot you
purchased and make it impossible to complete your garment satisfactorily.
Check Your
Gauge FirstBefore starting your garment, knit or crochet a small sample.
If you cannot procure the exact gauge given in the directions, try a needle one or even
two sizes smaller or larger until you obtain the exact gauge specified for the garment you
intend to make. Because some work tightly and others loosely, we suggest you test your own
work first to verify the gauge.
If you find you have to use a different
size needle than that called for in the directions, the change will not in any way alter
your garment, provided your gauge is in accordance with that called for in the directions.
To Change Size of Garments to
Another Regulation SizeAdd the number of sts required to make 1 inch (see gauge
at beginning of directions for garment to be made) to both the back and front of garment
for each size larger than the size given in directions; or subtract the number of sts
required for 1 inch from both back and front for each size smaller. When a pattern stitch
is used, add (or subtract) the number of sts given for 1 or more repeats (or
"multiples") of pattern, according to the number of inches required. Then follow
the directions given. When shaping armholes, bind off 1 st more each side for one size
larger (1 st less each side for one size smaller). Make the armhole ¼ inch longer at both
back and front for one size larger ¼ inch shorter for one size smaller). When shaping
shoulders, bind off more (or less) sts than given in directions for shoulders and back of
neck, adding 1/3 of the extra sts to each shoulder and remaining sts to back of neck. When
casting on the sts for lower edge of sleeve, add ¼ inch for each size larger, then
increase ½ inch extra. This will make sleeve ½ inch wider at underarm for
each size larger.
If
You Vary from a Regular SizeTake your own measurements wherever you differ from
the size given in the directions. Multiply the number of inches of each of these
measurements by the number of sts (or rows) equivalent to 1 inch, to obtain the number of
sts (or rows) required at each particular place where it is necessary to make your garment
larger, or smaller. Follow directions given, changing number of decreases or increases, to
obtain desired width or the number of rows between decreases or increases to obtain
desired length. In making a garment, always count the rows on the front and back, being
careful to have the same number on each piece. Count the rows in same way on each sleeve.
Belt LoopsJoin
yarn ½ inch below waistline at underarm. Make a chain the width of belt and fasten
above waistline. Make loop at other underarm in same way.
To Wash Knitted/Crocheted GarmentsFirst
take complete measurements of your garment, then using Lux Soap Flakes, make thick suds
with hot water; then add enough cold water to make it lukewarm (comfortable wrist
temperature). Avoid using hot water which shrinks wool. Immerse garment and gently work
suds through the fabricdo not rub or twist or allow the weight of the garment to
pull it out of shape. Keep the garment supported in the hands when squeezing out water.
Rinse thoroughly in three lukewarm
waters immediately after washing, squeezing garment gently between the hands to remove
soap. Do not twist or wring. Roll garment between two turkish towels to knead out excess
moisture unroll at once and shape garment according to original measurements,
leaving it on turkish towel. Let it dry slowly, not forgetting to stretch it frequently
into its natural shape, according to measurements. While garment is still damp, block
according to directions given below.
To
Block or Steam Yarn GarmentsTurn garment wrong side out. Lay flat on a pressing
board. Pin edges of garment if necessary to make it lie flat. For one-piece dress, pin
across waistline, then pin skirt according to directions given below. Lay a wet cloth over
garment. Pass a hot iron over the cloth allowing the steam to go through the garment. Do
not allow the weight of the iron to rest on the garment. Leave garment pinned until
thoroughly dry.
To Stretch Pattern Stitch Garments
in BlockingIn special cases when a stitch of the rib type is used, it is
necessary to stretch garments out to their correct width. Pin garment to pressing board,
stretching to measurements given for finished garment. Then follow directions for steaming
yarn garments or skirts, using enough pressure on iron so that garment will retain desired
measurements. Be careful not to flatten pattern too much or to leave a mark of the iron by
pressing too hard.
StarchingStarch the
article, pin out on a padded surface following original measurements and outline. Press
through a dry cloth and remove pins when article is dry. The stiffness of the starched
article is governed by individual taste. Following directions on packaged starch and
experimenting will bring desired results.