how important is Gauge on an afghan?

[justcallmebecky]

another question from a knitting "Knewbie"

i want to make a color blocked afghan - the pattern was in the Fall 2008 issue of Knit Simple. The pattern calls forWool Ease Yarn by Lion Brand Yarn - it's the worsted weight one 3oz/197 yards... well, i just got back from Michaels and really didn't find colors i liked. but there were other yarns i liked with similar yards/oz but not exact. In my "knewbie" head it seems that as long as i am using the same brand/weight of yarn throughout the project and i can accept that the afghan will be bigger/smaller than the measurements on the pattern, than the gauge really doesn't matter... am i right?

i realize that guage will be very important on things that need to be fitted like a sweater, but it seems less important on something like an afghan....

thanks for any insight.

love,
b

[suzeeq]

What really counts is how it knits up, though using a similar yarn should work. As long as you're okay with it a few inches off, if it is, then that's all right.

[justcallmebecky]

Sue, you have been so helpful today!!! thanks.:muah:

love,
b

[MerigoldinWA]

I agree with Sue. I'd use different yarn as well and not worry about size. I just wanted to remind you that a different gauge may mean you need more or less yarn. Not a problem, but something to keep in mind so that you'll be sure to have plenty of your dye lots.