The Long and the Short on Sleeves and Sweaters

While you’re scrolling through all the scrumptious designs on the NaturallyCaron.com Pattern Boutique, you might want to be sure to have a good idea as to exactly what your body type is and to choose a design that’s appropriate, Read the helpful article "Choose the Best Pattern for Your Body Style" for some great suggestions.) Or, figure out how you can adapt a somewhat unsuitable design to make it much “friendlier” to your body type.

Two important elements that dictate what works for you and what doesn’t are sweater length and sleeve types.

Example: Say you’re under 5’4” but you have the hips of someone a bit taller.  You like the look of a tunic that hides a multitude of sins - but a tunic designed for someone 5’8” and over might just look like a tent on you. However, you can make it shorter, make sure you wear pants or a skirt that are similar in color value (lightness or darkness) to the color of your tunic and not make the tunic quite as long as the pattern calls for.  The Toronto pullover is just about the right length for you.

Sleeves also make a real difference in where the emphasis falls.  Three-quarter sleeves that are relatively loose (which is the current style) can hide larger-than-preferred upper arms – but three-quarter sleeves that are somewhat fitted have the opposite effect.  And if you add a flare to the cuff, the hiding part is even better.  Ironically enough, this technique of sleeve-hiding also works if your arms are thinner than you’d like.

Kimono and raglan sleeves tend to bring the eye lower, so are perfect for the inverted triangle shape but when added to a shorter, fuller shape, a kimono sleeve works for nearly any body type.  The Lapa top is almost a raglan – a raglan without sleeves.  And the cap sleeves formed by the yoke are great for all types of arms.  With the emphasis on the upper body created by the fancy-stitch yoke, the effect is definitely to draw the eye up.  This top works well on nearly any shape – and, belted, it’s ideal for the lucky few of you who have an hourglass shape.