Buy Sufficient Material—At
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 First—Before
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 Size—Add 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 Size—Take 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 Loops—Join 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 Garments—First 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 fabric—do 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 Garments—Turn 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 Blocking—In 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.
Starching
—Starch 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.