Says Soucy: "This everyday classic uses heavy worsted weight yarn at a gauge of 16 stitches to 4 inches. Shown with garter stitch borders, you can substitute any rib you prefer. Finished chest measurements in inches: 38 to 54." A delicious cardigan, perfectly appropriate for your pearl strand or heaps of long Chanel-style glittery necklaces. Here the designer presents the piece very conservatively, but if you were to knit one with little or no ease... rowwrrrr.
I do give sizing tips on my web site on the FAQ page.
Finished measurements are just that. The finished chest measurements on the pattern are how big the sweater will be if knitted to gauge.
It is up to the knitter to decide how big they want their sweater to be. Some knitters like their sweaters to fit quite loosely, and others like a very close fit. Measure a garment that fits the way you like to decide which size to make.
This pattern calls for worsted yarn. If you want to use a bulky yarn, there is pattern #252, which is written for bulky yarn.
Interested in the wide variation in sizing. On different patterns a "small" can be a chest measurement of 36", 40", or 42"! This makes it difficult to determine the correct directions to use, not knowing any other measurements than length.