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How to read a size chart

You’ll find the size chart at the bottom of the patterns. The chart shows all the measurements for each size the pattern is available in.

If you follow the pattern and maintain the correct tension/gauge, your finished garment should match the size indicated in the chart.

But how do I choose my size?

To choose your size it is important to understand that the size chart shows the finished garment measurements, not your body measurements.

These measurements are shown in the size chart as number sequences, with each number matching a specific size in the pattern.

For example, the pattern for the size chart shown below is available in sizes XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL-XXXL, so the sequence for the chest width measurements, 46-50-54-58-63-69-75, corresponds to those sizes, in that order. XS = 46, S = 50, M = 54, L =58, XL = 63, XXL = 69, XXXL = 75.

Size chart for DROPS 262-30, Hazelnut Harmony Sweater

Once you understand this, there are 2 options to choose your size.

Option 1: Measuring a flat sweater

If you're unsure which size to make, it can be helpful to measure a sweater you already own and like the fit of. Then, use the size chart to find the size that best matches those measurements.

  • Lay your sweater flat and measure across the chest, arms, hips and length.
  • Compare these numbers with the sequences of numbers in the size chart to find the closest match.
  • For example, if your sweater measures 57 cm across the chest, the closest number in the chest width sequence is 58. This is the 4th value in the sequence, which corresponds with size L.
  • From there, you should compare the rest of the measurements in the sequences for size L (arm width, neck opening, etc.) to see if they match your sweater’s proportions, or if you would prefer to knit another size.
  • Length can always be adjusted to your preference.

Option 2: Measuring your own body

If you prefer to measure your own body, remember that the size chart shows flat measurements for the finished garment and not your body measurements.

This means that you’ll need to decide how much ease (extra room) you want in your sweater. Whether you prefer it to fit snugly, comfortably or with extra room for layering.

Once you have taken this into consideration:

  • Measure your body circumference (chest, hips, arms, etc.).
  • If your chest circumference is 115 cm, the best match in this size chart would be the size that has a chest width of about 58 cm, since 58 × 2 = 116 cm.
  • Do the same for hips and other areas: divide your body circumference by 2 to compare with the chart’s measurements.
  • Choose the size that best matches your body measurements and/or the fit you wish the sweater to have.
  • As always, the length can be adjusted to suit your preference.

Comments (277)

Country flag Olivia wrote:

Jeg vil gerne strikke opskriften 'blue butterfly', men er i tvivl om størrelsen, da den ser ret oversized ud på modellen, men målene i bunden virker mindre store. Især ærmerne virker korte ud fra målene. Skal man satse på en større størrelse for at få samme fit som på billederne?

29.09.2025 - 20:31

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Oliva. Om strikkefastheten stemmer, vil genseren få de målene man ser på målskissen. Se på målene som er oppgitt på målskissen, finn et plagg du allerede har og liker passformen på og sammenlign med målene i målskissen med det plagget for å finne den størrelsen du ønsker å strikke etter. mvh DROPS Design

06.10.2025 - 07:59

Country flag Kate Austin wrote:

It should be easy to up the size if you need to to larger or smaller using the stitches between sizes as a guide. Like if there is ten stitches between sizes for example .I'd add ten. For larger and reduce ten for smaller .as the pattern is plain with no pattern it should be fine. Any extra stitches will be at either side of front and back not affecting the neck ribbing .hope this helps I think 112cm is around 48 inches if that helps

03.09.2025 - 17:30

Country flag Ozana wrote:

Hello! I want to make the Sherwood Smiles Cardigan with a yarn that has a gauge of 34s and 41r per 10cm, knitted with 3cm needles, in size L, but I am a bit confused about the measurements. For example, the pattern asks for a 121 cast on. With 2,4 st per cm (Drops Safran’s gauge) that makes around 50,416 cm. But in the diagram the corresponding neck measurement is 19, which gives 38cm. How did you calculate that 121s for the cast on will amount to 38cm for the neck? Thank you very much!

17.08.2025 - 22:51

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Ozana, you need somewhat more stitches here for neck as you work rib with smaller needles, and note that the cast on stitches are for neck but also for shoulders in this kind of pattern worked top down. For any individual assistance adjusting the pattern to your own gauge, please contact the store where you got the yarn. Happy knitting!

18.08.2025 - 09:36

Country flag Naomi wrote:

Jeg skal i gang med at strikke Bronze Summer Sweater i Drops Air. Mit brystmål er 86 cm, og jeg plejer normalt at bruge størrelse S. Jeg vil gerne have et bevægelsesrum på cirka 25 cm, og som jeg læser opskriften, betyder det, at jeg skal strikke en størrelse L. Kan det virkelig passe?

15.08.2025 - 22:13

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Naomi. Om du ønsker en litt oversize genser kan det passe, men anbefaler deg å se på målene som er oppgitt på målskissen til Bronze Summer Sweater. Finn en genser du allerede har og liker passformen på (med det bevegelserom du ønsker) og sammenlign med målene i målskissen med det plagget for å finne den størrelsen du ønsker å strikke etter. mvh DROPS Design

18.08.2025 - 07:13

Country flag Wietske Meijer wrote:

Hey, dat snap ik niet, garn studio heeft supergave en leuke dingen, maar er zitten altijd van die moeilijke tekeningen bij, kun je me helpen? Ik wil heel graag deze jurk haken, maar snap het niet... Help me.. Wiets

09.08.2025 - 11:21

Country flag Sylvie Courtier wrote:

Bonjour, je vais tricoter le modèle bronze summer sweater, j'hésite entre la taille M ET L. comment taille t'il ? Je fais 90 D de tour de poitrine, 1m67, 67kg. Je n'aime pas les vêtements trop ajustes. Merciiii

04.08.2025 - 09:26

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Courtier, pour trouver votre taille, mesurez un vêtement similaire que vous avez et dont vous aimez la forme, et comparez ces mesures à celles du schéma. Si vous hésitez entre 2 tailles procédez ainsi: Si vous voulez un peu plus d'aisance, tricotez la taille au-dessus, pour un modèle un peu plus près du corps, choisissez la taille au-dessous. Bon tricot!

04.08.2025 - 16:35

Country flag Sylvie Courtier wrote:

Bonjour, je vais tricoter le modèle bronze summer sweater, j'hésite entre la taille M ET L. comment taille t'il ? Je fais 90 D de tour de poitrine, 1m67, 67kg. Je n'aime pas les vêtements trop ajustes. Merciiii

04.08.2025 - 09:25

Country flag Cherri M Jones wrote:

Hi, I'm just starting my drops knitting pattern no KS-057, using Kid -Silk, do I actually knit with 2 threads of the Kid -Silk together Regards Cherri Jones.

22.07.2025 - 19:18

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Cherri, yes, that's correct. You work with 2 threads of Kid-Silk together. Happy knitting!

27.07.2025 - 17:48

Country flag Ella wrote:

Hi, I'm knitting the Midnight Glow Sweater for a friend. Her chest measurement (32 in) is a few inches smaller than that of the pattern's smallest size (37 and 3/4s in). Should I just cast on a few less stitches? Or what do I do to make it fit her?

29.05.2025 - 19:22

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Ella, measurements in chart (including the 37 1/4 ") are the finished measurements - so you can also measure a similar garment she has and compare these to the measurements at the bottom of the page (convert into inches here), so that you can easily find out the matching size - or try on another pattern if you can find any XS size matching (check measurements same way). Happy knitting!

30.05.2025 - 10:05

Country flag Tove Andersen wrote:

Jeg skal i gang med baby 43-15,men forstår ikke lige jeres formular med ; Strik 4 pinde glatstrik til tillæg med 2 masker retstrik i hver side ? 2 masker i hver side , er det ekstra m, der skal slås 0p ? Mvh, Tove Andersen

20.05.2025 - 11:25

Country flag Kelly wrote:

I’m a beginner knitter & the Long Beach sweater is my 2nd project. However, the directions are very diff from my first project. It isn’t clear to me where I’m supposed to start & I don’t recognize an order of stitching. Can u help?

13.05.2025 - 16:40

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Kelly, maybe you could write your question under the pattern you are working on, the size and where you are stuck? So that we can try to help you. Thanks for your comprehension.

13.05.2025 - 21:26

Country flag Emma wrote:

Do the sizing's on the patterns allow for any Ease or are they exact measurements please?

13.05.2025 - 02:15

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Emma, the measurements in the chart are the finished measurements for each size, measure a similar garment you have and like the shape and compare them to the measurements in the chart , so that you can choose your own ease, either negative or positive. Happy knitting!

13.05.2025 - 08:31

Country flag Sandy wrote:

I'm about to start the Blue Night Vest Drops 254-34. Is there any reason why I can't use normal straight needles as opposed to a circular needle. If I 'm reading the pattern correctly, each piece is knitted separately. Many thanks

24.04.2025 - 00:41

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Sandy, correct, front and back pieces are worked separately back and forth on circular needle to get enough room for all stitches, you can then use straight needles, your stitches will just be more tight on needles; only neck edge is here worked in the round, but to avoid working in the round, sew just one shoulder seam first, then pick up stitches around neck and work neck back and forth, cast off and sew 2nd shoulder seam + neck edge. Happy knitting!

24.04.2025 - 09:12

Country flag Ann NZ wrote:

Hi, I am hoping to knit the lighthouse vest for a male whose chest measurement is 95cm. What size would you recommend I knit to get a fit similar to the pattern photos . I don’t have a garment of theirs to compare with.

22.04.2025 - 11:14

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs NZ, you rather ask him for the measurements to a similar garment he likes the shape so that you would be sure about the ease he'd like to. Happy knitting!

22.04.2025 - 16:49

Country flag Malene wrote:

Hej hvordan finder jeg ud af hvilken størrelse jeg skal have? Hvad for nogle mål skal man bruge? kan ikke finde måleskitsen. Opskrift DROPS 214-49 og DROPS 182-12

02.04.2025 - 17:04

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Malene. Er ingen målskisse på luen, hals og vottene i 214-49, men øverst i oppskriften står det mål: Pannebånd - one-size, passer til hodemål 54/56 cm, eller strikk til ønsket lengde. Hals: Lengde: ca 32-34 cm målt fra etter vrangborden i halsen. Bredde skulder: ca 34 - 39 cm. I oppskrift 182-12 er det heller ingen målskisse, men øverst i oppskriften står det: Pannebånd: Passer hodemål: ca 54/56 - 58/60 cm. Pulsvanter: Hel lengde: ca 25 - 26 cm. mvh DROPS Design

07.04.2025 - 06:57

Country flag Chantal Dupéré wrote:

Veste Drops 252-9 modèle z-1034 grandeur large. J’ai remplacé la laine Alpaca par de la Safran coton égyptien écrit sur l’étiquette, échantillon 23 mailles /30 rangs. Je tricote le col avec une aiguille 2,5 mm et la mesure sur le schéma de 17. Est-ce que cette mesure se double c’est-à-dire 34 cm pour le col? Moi, ça me donne 43 cm???? Est-ce que doit diminuer à 2,25 la grosseur de mes aiguilles car je vais tricoter après mes côtes 1/1 avec 3,25 mm en jersey. Merci

18.03.2025 - 23:15

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Dupéré, avez-vous vérifié votre tension? Vous devez avoir 24 mailles jersey avec les aiguilles 3,5 = 10 cm de large (et 32 rangs = 10 cm de haut) pour obtenir les bonnes mesures telles que dans le schéma. Si vous n'avez pas le bon nombre de mailles, essayez à nouveau avec des aiguilles plus grosses/petites en fonction. Notez que les 17 cm de l'encolure sont mesurés à plat; votre rang de montage comprend les mailles de bordure des devants et celles des épaules et sera automatiquement plus long. Bon tricot!

19.03.2025 - 08:17

Country flag Kathy wrote:

When you put the front and back stitches on one circular needle do you knit in the round or do you know back and forth then sew the side (s)?

05.03.2025 - 08:37

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Kathy, not sure which pattern you are talking about, could you please ask your question under the pattern you are working on so that we can check together and answer you? Thanks for your comprehension.

05.03.2025 - 09:22

Country flag Ulli wrote:

Hallo Sind die Angaben in der Skizze für das das gewaschene oder ungewaschene Kleidungsstück? Wenn sie für das ungewaschene sind, wie kann ich meine benötigte Größe herausfinden, damit mir das Kleidungsstück nach dem Waschen nicht zu klein oder zu groß ist? Danke.

19.02.2025 - 08:54

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Ulli, die Maßen sollen diegleiche vor und nach sein, so sollten Sie einen Unterschied haben, dann sollen Sie das damit umrechnen. Viel Spaß beim Stricken!

20.02.2025 - 14:48

Country flag Anna wrote:

Hallo! thank you ! so we dont need to add to the given sizes for garmets or gardigans any ease size stiches....the given numbers includes the ease stiches

18.02.2025 - 17:56

Country flag Yasmyn wrote:

Hello. Are the sizes at the end of each pattern the sizes for the final measure of the garments? Or the sizes it would fit? Like for example if a sweater had 20cm of positive ease, would that be included in the size chart? Because I do have seen that some of your patterns do seem to have quite a lot of positive ease but I wouldn't know which size to use if were to make one. Thank you:)

16.02.2025 - 17:27

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Yasmyn, the measurements in the size chart are the final measurements of the garment. So you will need to substract the desired ease from the size chart measurements to check which size would fit you better. In any case, when in doubt between two sizes, it's always better to try working the larger size; once you start working you will see whether the measurements for the size are correct for you and make slight adjustments if needed. Happy knitting!

16.02.2025 - 19:05

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