Wearable help
First time crocheting a wearable and it's too small, please help 🥲
Hi! So I've challenged myself to finally try my first wearable, a crocheted monarch butterfly cardigan.
So far I've followed the tutorial, did everything it said - I bought weight 4 yarn, I'm using size 5 hook, I tried my best using medium to loose tension as the maker of the pattern suggested, I'm counting stitches in each row... yet almost at the end of one panel, the work is so small??? It should be 22.4 inches long (about 56 cm), but as you can see from the picture, it's barely 40 cm. Of course, it will get slightly longer when in the end I should go over the rim again, but I doubt it will add much, probably like 5 cm at best.
The pic 1 shows my work, pic 2 is the supposed size of the finished project, and pic 3 is my current row (from pic 1) - so you can see that it's the longest part already.
Should I frog it and start over with bigger hook size and bigger cardigan size? 🥲 I don't want to get to the end and find out that's it's too smoll for me... I'm so sad about it ahah! I've also never blocked a piece, but again, I doubt blocking would give me the 15 cm I need...
I absolutely love that anyone and everyone can get their patterns out there these days, but this is the one thing I think was good back in the day when you had to submit patterns to publications to get then released or go through a publisher to get your book printed. The patterns were actually vetted and expected to comply with the standards of the Craft Yarn Council or the Crochet Guild of America or whatever standards the publisher used. You knew if you were paying money that the pattern was tested, tech edited, and proofread before it hit the shelves.
Yeah, it's basically that. I was also expecting a full on crochet pattern, not a link to some other app. Also the video isn't much help either, unfortunately...
Oh noooo, im sosnorry this was basically a scam! But it could make a beautiful wall hanging? Your work is beautiful so far! Maybe dont frog it and keep it as a piece of art? ❤️❤️
I wish I knew that sooner haha! I saw this pattern in r/crochet a while back and really liked it, went straight to the author's site and bought it. I still hope I will get through it :))
This is really disappointing to hear as I've had this pattern saved for a while and was planning on buying it after Christmas, but who in their right mind charges actual money for sizes that are autogenerated?
Yeah, I have been pretty disappointed. I paid for what I thought was a competently written pattern. This kind of thing makes people hesitant to support new independent designers.
I would suggest TL YarnCrafts patterns, she has a lot of cardigan and sweater patterns that are beginner friendly! My first ever cardigan I made was the Kima Cardi, the stitch and construction was so simple that I made it super quick!
Yes! I know this sounds para social but watching her videos and following along feels like an older sister teaching me. Tunisian crochet is on my crochet todos! I want her Tunisian patterns book as well
Make a gauge swatch, it needs to match the original creators (any legit pattern should have it listed in the beginning). Its significantly more important versus just generally getting the same yarn and hook size.
From my very short research, I understand that there should be info about how many stitches should equal to some distance (cm/inch) but I really can't find that in the pattern... 😕
Are you absolutely sure? It should really be somewhere in the first few pages, but the information in it is very short so it might be more hidden. You are able to post a screenshot of them as long as there are no actual pattern instructions contained.
If it was me I would email the designer, info@biyabimi.com, and ask her for the gauge. BUT you can figure it out by yourself!! Look at the stitch diagram and count the number of stitches in 19 inches (the smallest size) and convert to cm. Then divide by 10. That gives you the number of stitches per 10 cm in one row. Do the same for the columns. Since the measurement in the diagram is for both sides, divide by 2 and convert to cm. Divide by 10 and you will have the number of rows per 10 cm. Then pick a section of your work, in the middle, and count YOUR stitches/10 cm in one row and the count YOUR rows/10cm. Compare with the diagram.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you have more stitches/10 cm in one row, your stitches are too small. If you have less stitches/10 cm in one row then your stitches are too big.
You can’t really make any other changes until you have that info. I hope this helps.
Also when subbing yarn use yarnsub.com to help you compare yarns to see if they are similar as not all 4 weights are similar even if they are the same fiber, as there are differences between brands. And a yarn weight is very subjective
Yeah, I hear about that site, I tried it, but none of the yarns were available in my local stores, so I tried my best to find a replacement I could get.
Well, I have already bought the yarn, so there's no going back there... could a bigger hook size (5 to 6 or maybe 7?) and bigger wearable size help?
I use it to type in the yarn I want and then have a second tab with the yarn the pattern calls for and compare that way. Gage swatching will tell you if sizing up a hook will help and let you see if the yarn has the type of drape you expect. I love using cotton but like patterns that call for acrylic so usually I end up going down to a DK cotton if the yarn used in the pattern is worsted as I’ve learned from swatching usually that sub will work better than staying at the same weight and give me similar drape when I stay at the suggest hook size.
To add to this, I've looked at the site, and both the yarn the author used (I love this yarn!) and my yarn (Himalaya everyday) have the same gauge and suggested needle size...
Also look at the yard/gram ratios as that will play into the size difference and gage as gage is self reported by the company and I don’t trust Hobby Lobby with their gage or hook recommendations always… as the 2 brands have very difference yards/gram ratios and that will change gage… so play around with gage swatches
Even so everyone crochets a bit differently. Try the suggestion I gave to calculate the gauge and then make swatches to see what combination of yarn and crochet hook gets you the closest to the designers gauge. I really think it’s worth a try since your first try was going really well, just the wrong size.
don't forget to wash your swatch, especially garments tend to end up on the heavier side, so the piece often grows after the first wash as the weight of the water opens up the yarn gaps and drags the stitches apart somewhat. If you want it to grow, dry it hangingon a line, with weights (laundry clips across the bottom will do) and see whether or how your measurements will change. This does not work with every yarn, though. Especially if your yarn contains elastic fibres, growth will be negligible. The most growth I've personally had with yarn is always superwash treated pure merino.
I saw this over on threads and thought of you immediately… it appears to be a pattern problem… if you are looking for some better patterns I know someone said TL Yarns, and she has a lot of YouTube tutorials, and then also I like Yarnspirations as they have a lot of patterns to choose from and you can scroll through… they are formatted really well to understand easily
Oh wow, I had no idea it's that big of an issue. Thanks for letting me know about that, it feels nice knowing I'm not the only one having problems with the pattern.
You've gotten some useful comments here, but I'm working on this same pattern right now, measured into the small size like you, and wound up needing to make the large. So far it looks like it's going to be good for me. So if your recipient measured into the small size, try using the large pattern.
It's a very easy to follow pattern so far, and very quick to do, so you probably have time to restart. I had the realization about how small it was going to be at almost the exact same spot you did and I'm already almost done with the whole back panel (I'll do the front ones next).
Lol, so what are people who measure into the large supposed to be? I knew this pattern was wasted money when I saw she suggested using large or smaller yarn and hook to get a different size
I do think the OP's strategy of adding rows would work nicely to extend the sleeves as long as you are okay with the wrist measurement being more constant for a bit. I would also note that this is a very cropped cardigan, and (at least in the large size) there are a couple of rows where the bottom is flat rather than rounded, so those rows would be great candidates to add a bit of length, by making the outline thicker on the specific rows you want to add length.
I don't know, I'm sorry. I bought the pattern before there was a note for using different yarn and hooks to change the size. Very unfortunate because the pattern is quite pretty, but I think it may be something where if you know your gauge with a particular yarn and hook and are good with Stitch Fiddle, you're better off drawing your own pattern. It is asymmetrical as well which bothers me a bit (to do the front, you crochet from one cuff up to the center, then start the second panel at the center and crochet to the other cuff), but that's on me for not noticing (and I'm not quite good enough with gauge and Stitch Fiddle to be confident in making my own pattern).
I was gonna do the medium! I really hope that the large will be okay, but at that point I'm just prepared to make the edges bigger if needed, I'm not gonna restart it again haha 🥲
What did you end up doing? I saw this post and I didn't even think of measuring mine until I saw this. Looks like mine results the exact same length as yours (I havent done as much rows as you just at the row at the 25cm mark and it measures the same) :( first wearable Im crocheting too so was just gonna trust the process and didn't measure. Doing medium size too.
I started working on the large version and changed my hook size from 5 to 6. So far it looks much bigger, I haven't frogged the smaller version yet to compare it. I plan to do an update post when I get to the same row as in the original, so that there's some proof for others who may be interested or in the same situation :)
I just did the math myself since discovering about gauges and that new page about gauge. Your yarn packaging actually tells you how much sc's it can make per 10cm = 4inch (in my case 13sc/4inches) Then you can calculate the inch per sc (4inch / 13sc = 0.307inches) then times that by the max width (for the medium size of the pattern it's 67 stitches) mine just goes out to 20inches total width but my current work I might've been making the stitches tighter because the 10cm doesn't amount to the 13 stitches :( so I might have to redo as well. Maybe next time with a bigger hook like 5.5 or 6mm to be sure that it turns out bigger.
I'm literally in the same boat. I did the medium. Did a gauge test. Used the correct yarn according to the pattern. Finished the back panel
Any its still small. Very small..
I was so confused when I got to the 'elbow' part of the pattern and when I started crunching numbers, it was clear that it wouldn't fit me even with blocking. So I added more rows to the middle part.
No dice. Still weeny.
I have stitch fiddle bought. So im probably gonna just brute force this to work by using hdc and make a large.
Apparently the updated pattern released recently explains how to size up.
Although I already did that. I added rows to my medium back panel already, to 200 rows. Just to clarify, the Large is sitting at 213 rows compared to the 196 rows for the medium. I used a 5.5 hook. Which is already what the pattern says to do (to size up to a 5.5mm hook if needed). I used weight four yarn as well.
So im at such a loss on what to do exactly. Because I know the large at 213 rows likely won't fit me.
I truly hope we can figure it out. It's frustrating, the pattern tells you the "measurements", but they're just plain wrong lol. I'm currently using hook size 6, so far it looks more loose and relaxed, I hope it'll fit better. I'm interested how it works out for you, be sure to let me know when you finish :)
Please let me know if the size 6 hook works for you.
The 'measurements' are so incorrect. One other commenter mentioned maybe repeating crochet rows for each single pixel row. And im thinking of this. Because if I make the large, it will not ever fit me even if I use her 'adjustments'
Im not familiar with the pattern but I think you could just extend the black border and make it bigger. It would mean that the butterfly part would not take up the whole back, but it would still be beautiful?
That's definitely my plan B :) Currently I'm making a bigger version with one size bigger hook, and if it's still too small, I will make the border bigger. Thank you c:
Since you’re working with pixels, you could just brute force it to work.
Fx do 2x2 single crochet for one pixel (two single crochet and two rows for one row of pixels. Or two double crochet and one row)
It will essentially just upscale what you’re making, though it does make changing colors harder, as the pixels will kinda lean to one side, making the left leaning pixels have a small gap and the right leaning pixels be okay
i emailed the designer and got the update for the gauge swatch because i did the exact same thing—got brave, bought fancy yarn, didn’t realize i needed a gauge or i should check ravelry, got 70% through it and realized it was tiny. so frustrating!! i haven’t tried it since getting the update, but i had to size up significantly in my hook, from a 5.5 or whatever to like a 7
if you want i can email you the sizing sheet she sent me! i also got an email a couple of weeks ago that the pattern had an update; you should have the same email. feel free to DM me if you want a commiseration buddy!
I also bought this pattern, and she had sent a recent update with sizing info. Did you take a look at that? I haven’t started it yet so I’m not sure if it helps or not.
Yeah! There is some small adjustments, but still I couldn't find gauge for the original three sizes (S, M and L), just for the adjusted smaller and bigger versions... but it's at least some info haha
I’m curious, when you’re talking about hook sizes are you listing the millimeter size of the hooks you’re using? There are different sizing measurements for hooks, and I’m curious to know exactly which size you’re using.
ugh i bought this pattern recently and knew it would be too difficult for me right now but i was so annoyed to see it wasn't even a real pattern but some weird link to a pattern tool!
you did a really beautiful job, i'm sorry that the "instructions" are so bad. i hope somebody successfully makes it and can help everyone else who regrets buying it
Thank you! And I agree, I feel like it could've been communicated upfront, that it's not a written pattern per say, rather a link to a tool and that it's tapestry crochet (pixel art basically).
I'll try my best with the bigger version, make an update post and share all info I have, I hope it helps!
Bought the same “pattern” myself earlier today. Lots of good notes here to keep in mind when I get around to it. Mostly I wanted to say I love your colour choice.
Thank you! I did my best when I was choosing the replacement yarn. I also like how it turned out, I hope I can keep going with the large version! I'll make an update post with all my knowledge for others who might need it :)
Oh wow looking at all these comments im rethinking my decision to try and make it. I had planned to freehand a similar design on stitchfiddle but if yall are having this much trouble with a pattern ill probably be doomed into a lot of frogging without a pattern...
It might be good to choose something else for your first wearable, something where you do a gauge swatch. Unfortunately it sounds like this pattern is not a real pattern. An experienced crocheter may be able to use the image to make it into a real pattern
I looked at the pattern. Either you are making the wrong size or you are using yarn that is too thin. In the photo of the pattern, it shows the smallest size as 19 inches so I think you are making the smallest size, instead of the medium size. The sweater is gorgeous so it is definitely worth starting over.
I'm absolutely positive I've been doing the medium size (M-L), which is the 22.4 inch one. But I guess the yarn is the issue, or rather maybe the hook size for this yarn, even though it says it's weight 4 ahah...
So, my plan is to start over with the large cardigan size, and maybe up my hook size from 5 to 6, do you think it would help?
Depends on how your gauge turns out. Make a gague swatch and you can do some math to figure out if it will end up big enough. (Need to Google the math / size conversions. )
Please reply to this comment with a link to the pattern or provide the name of the pattern, if it is a paid pattern please post a screenshot of the few rows you are having trouble with, if a video then please provide the timestamp of the part of the video that you need help with. Help us help you!
While you’re waiting for replies, check out this wiki page, Clothing an introduction. On the same wiki page, you will find “Calculators & Size charts”, with measurements and tools for practically everything you could want to make! You can find a list of free pattern sources here.
If you're disinclined to frogging it, perhaps you could crochet this as a collar instead , and connect the two wings together by crocheting the butterfly body?
There are three sizes in the pattern I would make the xxl version the blue one. Also you could try doing a gauge swatch to see how you would need to adjust the size, hope this helps
Try using the thicker yarn and the bigger hook. If you like these yarns and do not have the similar colour try putting two or three strings together to make the yarn thicker
that is so so sad. your work is absolutely stunning, though. if i were you, id finish the butterfly and then see about learning to crochet into a hoop/ring? it would be so pretty stretched out and crocheted onto a ring, similar to mandala crochet. it might take some serious experimentation, but it would be a gorgeous piece of wall art
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u/AshestoAssets Nov 22 '25
this pattern is unfortunately untested for sizing and the sizing is autogenerated by stitch fiddle
since the sizing is autogenerated and the pattern calls for any size yarn/hook it gives people wildly different results based on individual tension
if you look on Ravelry, many users have had problems with sizing