Ease in knitting: how much to add to your measurements
Ease is the difference between your measurement and the finished garment. It decides whether a sweater is fitted or roomy — and it is why a pattern “in your size” can come out too small or too big.
Calculate a sweater with your ease →
The chart
| Fit | Added to bust | Added to upper arm | How it wears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | +4 cm | +3 cm | Close-fitting, nothing underneath |
| Classic | +10 cm | +5 cm | A regular sweater over a T-shirt |
| Relaxed | +18 cm | +8 cm | Roomy, room for a shirt |
| Oversized | +28 cm or more | +12 cm | Voluminous, dropped shoulder |
How to choose
The easiest way is to measure a favourite sweater: width under the arms × 2 minus your bust — that is your ease. Yarn matters too: heavy yarn and cables take up 2–4 cm, fine soft yarn looks roomier.
Negative ease
Hats, socks and ribbing are knit with negative ease — 5–10% smaller than the measurement so they stay put. A hat for a 56 cm head is about 50–52 cm around. Hat calculator.
Ease and construction
The more ease, the more construction matters. Up to 18 cm, set-in sleeves and raglans work well. From 25 cm, use drop shoulders, or the sleeves will be too long and the armholes too deep.
FAQ
How much ease for a sweater?
Classic — 8–12 cm, relaxed — 16–20 cm, oversized — 28 cm or more.
Do I add ease at the hips?
Yes, for a long sweater that reaches the hips: usually 4–8 cm so it does not cling.
Does a cardigan need more ease?
Yes, 2–4 cm more than a pullover of the same size, because it is worn over other clothes.