Don't have size 3 needles - can I use size 2?

KristiMetz · 03-16-2006, 11:16 PM

This pattern calls for size 4 and 3 needles (I'm making the socks, don't plan in making the sweater, I *might* make the hat).

I can only find ONE size 3 needle...

will size 2's work? The 3's are used for the ribbing.

Any advice? If it is a big enough difference I will probably look for a different pattern.

Sara · 03-17-2006, 04:48 AM

They wrote it that way so that the ribbing would be a little more snug. I think that you could easily use the twos. I don't think it will make that much difference.

ekgheiy · 03-17-2006, 02:01 PM

When in doubt, check your gauge. If using size 2 effects your guage, then I wouldn't use them. If they don't effect the gauge, go for it!

Ingrid · 03-17-2006, 02:07 PM

If you were planning to make the smaller size, you could just make the larger size.

The socks will be smaller, but it's hard to say by how much since your own tension affects the size as well.

knitqueen · 03-17-2006, 05:44 PM

You'd still be using the size 4's as asked for in the pattern for the majority of the sock, right? I don't see how using a size 2 just for the ribbing would make that much of a difference. Go for it!

nicolethegeek · 03-17-2006, 06:03 PM

Personally I would go with the larger needle throughout. I don't do sock ribbing on smaller needles anyway; just regular garments. When it comes to baby socks/booties, I've always found that you either can't get them on at all because the baby has a foot that's a completely different shape from what you've made --- or that the sock/bootie spends exactly 4.73987 seconds on the foot before the baby tugs it off to chew on or toss at the pets.