Crocheting Help?

I'd like some help on crocheting a top?

• Or knitting! I knit as well but I prefer crochet. (Is crocheting a word? Oh well!) I've found some nice patterns for tops and sweaters but the sizing and measurements never end up right for me. I guess it's because I'm on the tall side. They always end up fitting my torso just fine but when it comes to the back and chest area, they don't fit. How can I tweak patterns to work better without designing a brand new pattern? Or maybe I just need to design a brand new pattern? But I do like the patterns I found a lot. Can anyone give me some advice? I'd consider myself intermediate in crochet and on the advanced-beginner side on knitting. :)

• Answer:

  What you have to do to tweak them depends on how the pattern works. If you're tall through your torso, then the obvious solution is to add rows (If the pattern is worked from waist up; doesn't work if it's worked side-to-side) You say they fit your "torso," but then go on to describe how they don't fit your torso (Torso:The human body excluding the head and limbs). Most patterns use the measurement of the bust for size. Picking too small of a bust size will leave it too tight in the chest. Working an "original" pattern isn't quite as intimidating as you might think. Find a shirt that fits the way you like and use it as a template. Forget counting stitches (well you probably want to take note of then umber you used in the sleeves, so they match), just lay your work out (don't stretch! against your template and make sure it reaches from seam to seam. Then work in the pattern stitch of your choice until your work matches your template from seam line to seam line. Don't worry about selvage, since knitting/crocheting can just butt up against each other. Repeat for each panel in your garment. Then sew them together and add your trim.