https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:07:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382573 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:06:01 +0000 Ket 2382573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Val</b>, oh these are wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing these with me. I've got some Seamwork patterns but haven't heard of the others. I'll check these out! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382571 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:04:56 +0000 Val MN 2382571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t know if you’re a podcast person, Ket, but I’ve listened to a few good sewing podcast episodes on the topic of weight fluctuations etc.</p> <p>“How we sew through body changes”, by Seamwork Radio<br /> <a href="https://www.seamwork.com/seamwork-radio-podcast/how-we-sew-through-body-changes" rel="nofollow">https://www.seamwork.com/seamw.....dy-changes</a></p> <p>“Sewing for a changing body”, by Love to Sew<br /> <a href="https://lovetosewpodcast.com/episodes/episode-227-sewing-for-a-changing-body/" rel="nofollow">https://lovetosewpodcast.com/e.....ging-body/</a></p> <p>“Sewing for body changes”, by Check Your Thread<br /> Part 1 <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/72-sewing-for-body-changes/" rel="nofollow">https://checkyourthread.com/po.....y-changes/</a><br /> Part 2 <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/76-sewing-for-body-changes-part-2/" rel="nofollow">https://checkyourthread.com/po.....es-part-2/</a></p> <p>Despite the extremely similar titles, they all have different perspectives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382570 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:59:03 +0000 Ket 2382570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sharan</b>, I knew you sewed and was hoping you would chime in Thank you or empathizing and sharing. &lt;3 I have sewn very little but can see that alterations could be a project -- and a pain. So passing them on and focusing on sewing less structured items makes a lot of sense! </p> <p>I just frogged the summer tank. It's a good thing I did. Before I frogged it I tried it on just to see how it fit. (I had knit about 3-4 inches.) The bottom hem was huge on me! Even my husband commented on it. This sucker would have been too big on me now, let alone if more weight was released. So I'm glad I frogged it. I don't even think it would have worked worn over a blouse, tbh, it was that big.&nbsp;</p> <p>My gauge swatches were spot on and I went by the designer's stated measurements and schematic. (There is no built-in ease with it either, purportedly.) If and when I reknit it down the road, I'll have to choose a size or two smaller than suggested by the designer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382566 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:38:41 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2382566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Staysfit is a wealth of knowledge here. I can empathize with you, Ket, as a maker. I sew, but often I would rather make something from scratch than take on a difficult alteration project. So I have passed on fitted items that I've sewn when they no longer fit well. Most of the sewing I do for myself involves less fitted, or less structured garments (e.g., t-shirts, rather than blazers), so they will usually fit me regardless of size fluctuations. I would set aside the lovely summer tank pattern, probably, for now. Unless you feel inclined to knit it and try wearing it over a blouse later, as others have suggested, if it becomes too big to wear as a tank. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382564 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:17:39 +0000 Ket 2382564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much, <b>Staysfit</b>! You gave me a lot to think on. I've been knitting at a high degree of proficiency about 25 years, though only began sweater knitting for myself about 5-6 years ago. Swatching is key for me, especially for sweaters. I know my knitting gauge and tension very well, but I knit (and wet block) at least 1-2 swatches before I start.&nbsp;</p> <p>A size is chosen based on several measuring points including upper bust, full bust, cross back, waist, torso length, etc. I also modify for my unique needs such as longer arms that need 2-3 inches (and another skein of yarn) to get the right length, sometimes waist shaping, modifying for very narrow forearms/wrists and the like. So I usually spend a lot of time figuring out fit and size, depending on the design.&nbsp;</p> <p>I very much agree with you on seams and structure. The seamless sweater trend has its own issues. I much prefer seamed. Also, I intuitively tend to add some kind of structure to an outfit. I knit a sweater with a lot of ease a few years back that I just loved. It was huge but it was lovely. I felt very chic in it and was able to do a lot with structure in other ways. So thanks for the reminder :D&nbsp;</p> <p>Probably the biggest issue you mentioned is weight stabilization. I&nbsp;really didn't explain my dilemma well enough, so forgive me. (It's very personal and still challenging to talk about.) It could be significant weight loss over the next year or two, about 50 lbs or so. I say "could be" because I just don't know what to expect. There's a lot of personal things intermeshed with this, including 4 years of very challenging, painful health conditions and losing half of our home and all of our furniture and belongings to a natural disaster.&nbsp;Healing has been a 2-year journey for me, and now suddenly there is a glimmer of hope that I can knit something nice for myself. It's likely I'm just putting too much pressure on myself as <b>Robin</b> shared above. :}&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382552 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:16:57 +0000 Staysfit 2382552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ket, I knit a lot. &nbsp;How do you pick your sizes and what type of garments do you prefer. &nbsp;Do you do a guage swatch? &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I have a few suggestions that may help.<br />1. &nbsp;Structure somewhere. &nbsp;Angie has some posts about using structure in an outfit to reign in oversized clothing. &nbsp;You can use other garments paired with the oversized garment to create structure, a belt, maybe show your ankles, etc. &nbsp;</p> <p>Structure in the garment: Many of the popular knitting patterns are for top down, no seaming required garments. &nbsp;This creates saggy and loose garments that stretch. It’s a look that works for some, but it can get too overwhelming IMO when too oversized which would happen if you lose weight. &nbsp;Structure in the garment would include something like fitted shoulders or sleeves, or even some sort of waist band or built in wrap belt effect. &nbsp;Structured knits with fitted shoulders can seem like more work since they are often created in pieces and then sewn together. &nbsp;If you knit bottom up instead of top down, you improve the sag factor a bit. &nbsp;Another way to add structure to the shoulder is with saddle shoulders. &nbsp;These work in top down construction and are not difficult.</p> <p>With fitted shoulders and or sleeves, the rest of the garment being loose appears more deliberate and perhaps pleasing to the eye.</p> <p>2. &nbsp;Negative ease is your friend. &nbsp;When you pick sizes, since your weight fluctuates, I would knit to the exact size you can tolerate wearing as a body con fit, &nbsp;knits always stretch, it’s harder to shrink them. I hope you make a guage swatch and check guage as you knit. &nbsp;In your case it would be important to wash and dry the guage swatch to see if the swatch stretches. &nbsp;If it does, I usually make a second guage swatch so I can compare with the unwashed guage but base my measurements on the washed guage. &nbsp;(I hope that makes sense). &nbsp;You may also want to use negative ease when picking a size. &nbsp;I like a sleek fit so I never pick a size with more than 4 inches of positive ease. &nbsp;For example if my chest circumference is 32 inches, never larger than 36 inches.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>3. &nbsp;Superwash wool always stretches, as you probably know, and so do cotton and linen. &nbsp;Once again, negative ease. &nbsp;I have had luck going 2-4 inches smaller than my measurements without any concern. &nbsp;If my weight is higher the garment is a bit more fitted and if my weight is lower it is more fluid but not baggy. &nbsp;Personally, I love working with non-superwash wool. &nbsp;I find the sizing more reliable and it can be stretched a bit with blocking although shrinking takes care, it can be done in a dryer….watch closely for felting and overshrinking!</p> <p>4. &nbsp;Under layers…I think someone mentioned this already. &nbsp;Wear a pretty camisole or top under your knits and show off your beautiful handiwork. &nbsp;Who cares if they are a bit big or baggy, they are unique one of a kind pieces of art. &nbsp;Show off your talent!</p> <p>5. &nbsp;I’m not sure how long it takes you to knit a garment. &nbsp;Are you the type who does one project at a time or do you have multiple projects on your needles? &nbsp;Is your weight always in flux or is this something that is current and you expect your weight will stabilize again. &nbsp;Does your weight change between seasons? &nbsp;Historically, mine has. &nbsp;I tend to lose about 8 pounds in the warm months and gain it back in the cool months. &nbsp;It hasn’t effected my size much but if it did and I were knitting something for warm weather in the winter, I would pick a favorite garment from my wardrobe, that fits well in the summer and use its measurements as a guide, &nbsp;It typically takes me 3-4 weeks to complete a knitted garment if it is the only thing I am working on and much longer if I have other items on my needles. &nbsp;Knowing how long it takes you to finish a project can be helpful. &nbsp;Currently, I have 8 projects going at once, so I am not doing any sweaters. &nbsp;I find it helps me to focus on one or two items only when I am working on a sweater. &nbsp;</p> <p>If you think this is a temporary weight flux that will stabilize, I would switch to knitting accessories for a while until you’re more certain of your weight and then pick something to knit. &nbsp;Socks, hats, shawls, mittens, bags, etc. I’m working on a blanket right now and practicing some techniques…intarsia, cables, and stranded colorwork.&nbsp;</p> <p>6. &nbsp;When I knit anything, I know there is a chance I will not like the end result as much as anticipated or that it will not fit well. &nbsp;I have adopted the attitude that each knitting project is there for me to enjoy, to learn something new, and in the end, if I do not love the item for myself, I look for someone who will love it. &nbsp;I have found many knit-worthy friends and co-workers. I am also a fan of frogging a project if I decide it’s not going to work. &nbsp;I can restart a new size or maybe pick a different pattern. &nbsp;If I decide it’s the yarn I don’t love, I gift it or donate it to someone. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>In some cases the collar gets too loose. &nbsp;I know that is not what you are describing however, maybe the same solution can help with a loose garment, I have seen people do it but cannot say how well it works. (It does work for a collar.) You might try using some invisible elastic to reign in a project. &nbsp;There are tutorials for this on YouTube. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>If knitting, which I love, leads to stress instead of joy, it would be time to rethink whether it was worth the time and effort. &nbsp;You are correct that it takes a lot of time and energy to create a garment and if you are not happy in the end, then, I do think you may want to consider another method, like sewing. &nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382528 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:36:39 +0000 Lisa 2382528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That vest is going to be beautiful. I look forward to seeing your finished knitting projects! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382500 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:57:53 +0000 Ket 2382500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, oh that's lovely of you! Thank you for the knitting admiration &lt;3 I have liked looser fits on denim for sure! I had a pair of Gap skinny jeans (back in 2012, when skinnies came out) that I did this with. They were probably 2 sizes too large and I wore them like slouchy boyfriend jeans. I loved them. Not sure how this will work out with my current denim yet, just due to the cut and fit. I'll definitely try it out! Everything is kind of wait and see really. I still have no idea on how things will shake out. I'm kind of just going with the flow, really.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good idea on vests! I have a pattern for a vest that should easily transition with weight shifts. (Photos below.) It's got a 70s vibe to it that I think will work very well this year. (Boho is supposed to be making a big comeback as a trend again.) I've been wanting to knit it for some time and start a small '70s capsule. This vest along with the tweed sweater I showed above should keep me plenty busy for a while.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382498 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:38:46 +0000 Lisa 2382498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't knit but admire your talents! As far as fits go, when I lost weight (around 20 pounds) my clothes naturally got looser, and I rather liked the fit. It was a refreshing change from the body con styles I wore for years. Now I deliberately buy some of my clothes one size larger just because I want a roomy, slouchy vibe (especially with denim).&nbsp;</p> <p>For knitting I would stick to pieces that look good oversized and/or can layer easily. Cardigans and shrugs will work well. I also see some interesting layering sometimes with tanks or vests over blouses or shirts too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382491 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:23:17 +0000 Ket 2382491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jaime</b>, thank you, my lovely friend! I am going to shift to roomy. While I want fitted glam and vintage sweaters, it doesn’t make sense. Time to be patient again and see what happens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382473 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:26:12 +0000 Jaime 2382473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shrug looks great on you! For sure avoiding fitted items for now makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382465 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:29:34 +0000 Ket 2382465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear Fabbers thank you! I think maybe I posted mostly to hear that it’s okay to pause on fitted items for now—despite really wanting to knit them. </p> <p>VioletMyra, if it’s any consolation, I went through a rough 4 years with weight. So I just feel you on that! But thank you for the laugh and good wishes. </p> <p>Jenni, oh you’re lovely! The cocoon will definitely fit. That’s one of the reasons I made it, actually. It can still be worn with weight fluctuations. </p> <p>Sal, I am definitely pausing the the fitted stuff. Thank you for your compliments about my shrug! It is definitely versatile. </p> <p>Angie, thank you! I really love my new shrug; might even knit another in a neutral color. I’ll try a roomy sweater next though, and see what happens! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382436 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:07:09 +0000 Angie 2382436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Sal </b>said!&nbsp;</p> <p>Pause on the fitted items and stick too roomy. You are stunning in that shrug :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382433 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:40:32 +0000 RobinF 2382433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The nice thing about knitting something is it can be unraveled and the yarn reused. You are right though, that time is then wasted. </p> <p>I have a hard time getting sizing right when I am knitting. I like to think of it as a hobby as opposed to a wardrobe builder and then it doesn't have the same pressure regarding fit.&nbsp;</p> <p>So not very useful advice I'm afraid!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382420 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 07:35:05 +0000 Sal 2382420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha VioletMyra - that made me laugh!!</p> <p>I am not a maker but I would pause on fitted things too. The shrug is stunning - and will be versatile I think size wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382413 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 03:03:38 +0000 Jenni NZ 2382413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Ket I cannot advise as not a maker at all. I can only commiserate.<br /> The cocoon you made is so pretty and hopefully that one will fit whether heavier or lighter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382412 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:47:26 +0000 VioletMyra 2382412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>{Don't worry about your lost weight, Ket, I've found it!} I'm sorry I have no suggestions for you as my problem is the opposite. I know others will have wonderful suggestions for you though. Best wishes to all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makers-how-do-you-handle-weight-fluctuations#post-2382411 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:07:07 +0000 Ket 2382411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reaching out to my Fab Friends that sew and knit your own wardrobe for some advice and thoughts. <br /> <div><br /> </div><div>I've reached a conundrum. My weight is shifting enough that my clothes are getting baggy. The new summer tank I was knitting (photo 1) is now on hold. There's no way to know if it will fit next summer, let alone by end of this summer. It will take a lot of hours to knit the tank, so I don't want to finish it without some certainty about my size. This is my dilemma about knitting any sweater -- for summer or cold weather-- with some size and shape to it. It may or may not fit in X months. Since it takes a lot of hours to knit a sweater, it's kind of a waste if the thing doesn't fit well. <b>The hard part about knitting is it often can't be taken in or altered like sewn clothing.</b><i><b></b></i><i> </i>So you can see my dilemma if the tank is huge down the road. </div><div><br /> My only options right now are to knit oversized sweaters and shapeless cocoons (the oversized sweaters have only 1 or 2 sizes and are very generous with ease). See photo 2-3. Or I can knit accessories like shawls, hats, etc. </p> <p>I'm not upset but definitely feel in a quandary about what to do with knitting. I've also taken this as a nudge to maybe dig into learning to sew my own clothes, which can be altered more easily. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Thoughts? Wisdom? Commiseration? :)</div> </p>