BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Crochet enalrging a crochet pattern - shell stitch

I bought a beautiful pattern for a crocheted dress. The size is much too small for me but I figured I'd re-engineer the size. Now I'm not sure how to begin. I was hoping to find a software program to help with it but I haven't been able to yet. Any suggestions?

There are two things you can do to easily enlarge a pattern without re-engineering:
1. use different yarn. For example if the pattern calls for baby yarn use worsted weight, or if it uses size 10 thread you can use 2 strands of size 10 thread held together.
2. use a larger size hook

This is a quick fix but of course this doesn't apply to each and every case.

I got Lily Chins Cotoure workshop book have a look in your library and see if you can get it. I highly recommend it especially if like me you don't sew.It explains a lot and there is a shell pattern in it you can enlarge.