Knit Stretch Reductions: Torso Slopers

This lesson is the fourth in our knit series that began with Intro to Knit Fabrics, Knit Fabric Principles and how to Convert a Fitted Torso Sloper To a Stable Knit Torso Sloper. In this lesson, we will teach you how to create your own library of torso knit slopers for each of the different stretch categories. By downloading the Fractions to Decimals Chart, and referring to the measurements calculated for a Stable Knit on your Torso Knit Calculations Form, you will be able to calculate each of the knit fabric stretch ratios and then learn how to convert your torso pattern draft accordingly, depending on the amount of knit fabric stretch. The results are a series of foundational torso knit blocks that you will be able to use for all of your knit designs.

The torso sloper needed for this lesson can be found and drafted in our Pattern making lesson: Convert Torso Sloper to Stable Knit Torso Sloper.

Module	Description	Step
1	Drafting Information for Blocks	1-3
2	Moderate Knit Reduction – Front Sloper	1-5
3	2-Way Stretch Knit – Front Sloper	1-3
4	Super Stretch Knit – Front Sloper	1-4
5	Ribbed Knit – Front Sloper	1-6
6	Moderate Knit Reduction – Back Sloper	1-6
7	2-Way Stretch Knit – Back Sloper	1-4
8	Super Stretch Knit – Back Sloper	1-3
9	Ribbed Knit – Back Sloper	1-5
10	Final Steps	1-4

Full transcript is available if you subscribe.

MODULE 1 • Drafting Information for Blocks

Step	Description
1A	For this lesson we will be using the Stable Knit pattern draft and the Torso Knit Calculations Form with measurements that we created in our how-to lesson entitled, Convert A Torso Sloper to a Stable Knit Torso Sloper. These will be used as the foundation for creating a series of what is known in the fashion industry as knit torso blocks or slopers. Each stretch ratio will be marked with a different color pencil on our Stable Knit pattern. The majority of daywear knits stretch more in one direction than the other, with the crosswise direction typically having the most stretch. In a subsequent lesson we will demonstrate how to deal with 4-Way Stretch, where a reduction in the length of the sloper is also necessary, such as in activewear, shapewear and swimwear garments.
1B	You will begin this lesson by downloading our Fractions to Decimals Chart. You will also need a calculator, a mechanical pencil, a tape measure and your Torso Knit Calculations Form.
1C	Refer to your Torso Knit Calculations Form where you have already recorded your body measurements and your one-fourth measurements to create your Stable Knit sloper. This form was created in our lesson entitled, Convert the Torso Sloper to a Stable Knit Torso Sloper.

To see the full transcript and complete video lesson, subscribe to the University of Fashion!