The secret is not in the increments in the parantheses, it's it's in measurements times gauge. For instance:

The largest size is 52" finished. The gauge is 5 stitches to the inch, which means at the bust there are 52 * 5 = 260 stitches. Divided in half, that's 130 stitches per side (if you're knitting flat).

So: Measure yourself at the bust. Add at least 2" for ease; I'd suggest more since a size 18-20 measures 52" finished and that's a LOT of ease for that size. Times it by 5, divide by two. That's the number of stitches you should have at the bust. All the other numbers proceed from there. I see that this starts with a shaped hemline. I'd cast on 28 stitches to start, but that's completely arbitrary.

To figure out where else you might need to change things, again, it's all in the measurements. Figure out what the piece is supposed to measure finished, whether that will work on you at that point on your body, and adjust accordingly.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor