gauge trouble

catmom · 03-24-2006, 11:17 PM

I'm making a size medium kimono-type sweater. My gauge is too loose. Instead of going down a needle size, can I just make the size small sweater?? It is supposed to be 22.5 inches for 10cm on size 4mm needles, and I am doing 19 stitches..... Thanks

Ingrid · 03-25-2006, 04:23 AM

You can try doing a smaller size. There's no guarantee, though, that it will be the right size.

You can divide your gauge per inch into the number of stitches of the small size pattern and see if it will be the same width.

catmom · 03-25-2006, 04:58 AM

Thanks Ingrid. Maybe I will just stop being lazy and go down another needle size and do another swatch. If I was getting 19 stitches with a 4mm needle, should I try a 3.5mm needle for the 22.5 stitches/10cm?? Do you think that would do it?? Believe it or not, I have never paid much attention to the gauge. In the past I have just knit in ignorant bliss! But I am trying to get a clue now and figure out the gauge situation....

Ingrid · 03-25-2006, 05:10 AM

When I knit years ago, I didn't pay much attention to gauge, either. Since I made mostly kids' things it didn't matter. Looking back, though, most of the adult sweaters I attempted were, for some odd reason, too small. :rollseyes:

That change in needle should do it, but as they say. . . gauge swatch!

I don't know anyone who likes to do them, and I must admit I rarely make one a full 4 inches long.

catmom · 03-25-2006, 05:39 AM

I appreciate your encouragement. Yes, I mostly made baby stuff, and it didn't really matter. I just now did a swatch with 3.75mm needles and I'm still off. Guess I need to go down to 3.5. I also swatched another sweater I'm making. Supposed to have 28 stitches/10cm on size 3US needles. I only had 22 stitches!! Am I just a loose knitter???? Would going down to 2's be enough?? I am a little frustrated, because I was hoping I would be close. How do I tighten up my knitting?? (is that even possible???)

Ingrid · 03-25-2006, 03:57 PM

You could consciously tighten your knitting, but the problem would be keeping it tight. As soon as you stop paying attention, you'll end up with your normal tension again, so it's not really a good idea.

I always have to go up a needle size, so I must be a somewhat tight knitter.

Apparently you knit loosely, so you just have to find the needle that works. I don't know how much difference one size makes off the top of my head.

Are you using the right size yarn?

catmom · 03-25-2006, 06:42 PM

The yarn I'm using is what's called for in the pattern. I don't think I could consciously knit tighter. I think you're right on that one. Well, I will swatch again today, and go down ANOTHER size needle!! Thanks for your help Ingrid. I see you're a special ed teacher. One of my little boys is in special ed, and boy do we love those spec ed teachers!!! You have to have a lot of patience for that job. Thank you!
Kim