Four time's a charm, I hope, please help

RapaciousCurls · 09-21-2011, 01:41 PM

I've purchased 3 different skeins of yarn for a pattern because the person didn't clarify what type to use. All 3 have not worked and I'm nearing the point I'm ready to toss the pattern aside. The pattern calls for size 8 needles and the gauge listed is 26 stitches per 14 cm. The second type of yarn I purchased I decided to check the gauge rather than just begin knitting. I only got 22 stitches per 14 cm. I would like to stick with the size 8 needles as I purchased brand new knitpick needles for this project. Can anyone direct me as to what type of yarn I should be looking for? I tried going bulky, but I went too bulky and now I'm stuck with a 3 skein of yarn that can't be used for this project. I'm very beginner and frustrated, so sorry for what might seem like a tedious and whiny question. Please help, I will be so grateful.

Antares · 09-21-2011, 07:21 PM

I know you would really like to stick with your size 8 needles, but sometimes that's not always possible. Gauge is different for every person, and you could be buying yarn from now till Christmas and still not find the right yarn to get the gauge you need for your pattern.

I have two recommendations for you: First, if possible, contact the person/company who created the pattern and ask them what kind of yarn they used.

My second recommendation is to get a couple of different sized needles. You don't have to get extremely expensive ones, but do get a couple of sizes on either side of 8 (6, 7, 9, and 10, for example). Then, try your gauge again with these various needle sizes. After all, if you knit for any length of time, you will use these needles, so they definitely will not be a waste of money!

CherylT · 09-21-2011, 08:07 PM

I found this website while looking for stitch patterns. They have info on yarn and needle sizes.

www.atightknitgathering.com

Hope this helps

suzeeq · 09-22-2011, 12:46 AM

Normally you change the needle size instead of the yarn. If the yarns are similar to what's in the pattern, going up or down a needle size or 2 should give you the gauge. Or you can make a different size of the pattern to suit your needles.

Becky Morgan · 09-23-2011, 03:24 AM

First of all, what's the project? If it's something where size matters, yes, it is easier to adjust the size of needle until you get at least reasonably close to gauge. It's possible to adjust your tension to get what you need, but as a new knitter it's difficult and not fun, and the object of any hobby is to enjoy it.

However, if it's a scarf or a shawl, or a knitted toy, you may be better off not worrying about it. No one is going to know or care if your two-meter scarf is 1.7 meters long. Felted objects are also somewhat negotiable because you can control the degree of felting to adjust the finished size.

Finally, if it's an option for you, lay the pattern aside for now. Congratulations on having a yarn stash with which you can make something else nice. My go-to when someone drops yarn into my lap is always the yarn company's website, on which there are bound to be free patterns you can try. Knit something pretty and size-free with the skeins you know won't do the job, and you'll know what your natural gauge is with each kind of yarn on those needles. You may find that you don't like the way your bulky yarn looks when you use 8s on it. That's OK--save it for something else, because you'll acquire more needles somewhere along the line. Some yarn is too nice to get mad at.