How to Adjust Gauge

[Fenton]

Help! I'm a new knitter and as expected, I knit very tightly. I'm trying to figure out how to get the write gauge on #4 yarn. My pattern indicates 17 stitches in st is 4" but I have to use a size 9 needle to get to that gauge. Is that okay to do? Although the yarn is a 4, it doesn't look good when I knit with large needles. Help! :whoosh:

[suzeeq]

Yes, use whichever needle size you have to for matching the gauge. Many people like you knit tight and need to go up 2 or 3 or 4 sizes to get the gauge right; others knit loose and may have to go down 2 or 3 sizes. A 9 isn't a super large needle, you might try washing your piece and see how the sts look and what they measure after that. When a yarn gets wet it can relax or tighten up.

[Fenton]

Thanks, Sue! I never thought of that. I guess I was paying attention to the books that indicate the needles that should be used for certain yarns. You know, nothing higher than a 8 for worsted weight...thanks again

[suzeeq]

Pay no attention to those books or the needles used on the yarn labels. Those sizes are for 'average' knitters who have neither tight or loose tension, and to specify a weight class for the yarns. Use whatever you need to get gauge, or knit to your own gauge. I'm 'average' but don't like the denseness of a worsted knit on size 8s, just too stiff; so I usually knit it on a size 10½ or 7mm and like that fabric.