counting rib stitches for gauge

[heidi jean]

Hi everyone,
I have knitted items for years that do not reguire gauge to be perfect or exact, i.e. lace table cloths, runners dollies etc. Yet have longingly tried to muster the courage to knit sweaters, socks, hats. I have books, books and more books of patterns and over the years, I have purchased a closet full of alpaca and cashmere. I have finally mustered the courage to knit my first pair of socks. I have my gauge swatch ready. BUT, how do I block and accurately count the stitches for my number of cast on stitches. The socks are baby cable which is basically just a k2p2 ribbing. I understand gauge, purpose etc. The question is; Do I count the stitches laying flat not stretched out a little, or stretched out a little to see the knit and purl. How do I do it? I feel so embarressed asking this question. But I had to fight my embarressment, cause I am ready to knit something WEARABLE!!! And I want to wear them, my first.
Thank You So Much

[ekgheiy]

Does your pattern specifically say to make your guage swatch in the rib pattern? Gauges are most often measured in stockinette st. :thinking: If the pattern specifies to do the gauge in rib pattern, then I would surround the appropriate rib pattern w/ stockinette. For example, if the gauge calls for 16 sts of rib equalling "x" amount of inches, I would put about 10 sts of stockinette st around the 16 sts of rib ... 10 sts in stock st; 16 sts of rib; followed by another 10sts of stock. That would make easier to measure. And I wouldn't measure it stretched out; I would measure it with its' naturally pull. JMHO...

[heidi jean]

Thank you so much for your response. The book does not give the traditional gauge information, "number of stitches per inch." The book title is "Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch." She has a chart with foot circumference on top, stitches per inch on left. The knitter makes the swatch, uses the stitch table to select the number of cast on stitches based on the knitters gauge and circumference. Then select the pattern of the knitters choice. Either one in the book or any pattern the knitter likes. I love it! Only one or two swatches to make, because the gauge fits my gauge vs. trying to match the designers gauge! She then gives instructions on knitting chosen sock with 4, 5 or 2circular needles. I knitted the swatch in pattern and on 4 dbl needles, because I knit tighter on them and in pattern because, again, I knit tighter than in stockinette. You saved the day and created an excited day today because it only makes sense to measure it as it lays, not stretched/blocked open a little. I am so excited, I can't wait to knit my first pair of socks.