Gauge question

[SabrinaJL]

Ok, so I decided that Fetching from Knitty would be my first foray into knitting in the round. Seems like an ok thing for a beginner. The problem I've run into is with the gauge. It says "21 sts / 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch". I didn't use the specific yarn it calls for, but I did use a worsted weight yarn. My swatch ended up being 3 1/2 by 4 inches. Do I need to use bigger needles or a different yarn or what?

Also, is there a huge difference between cable co and long-tail co?

[suzeeq]

First, make a swatch that's bigger and measure the 4 inches in there. The edge stitches tend to pull in just a bit and maybe that's what made it 3 1/2 instead of 4. Do 30 stitches and 35 rows.

If it's still a little off, it won't be by much and you would probably be okay, or you could use the next size larger needles.

sue

[SabrinaJL]

So if I do it that way, when I measure, do I need to make sure there are 21 stitches across those 4 inches?

[suzeeq]

You measure across the stitches for the row gauge. Put your tape measure or ruler so the edge is at the left side of one stitch, then count how many stitches until you get to 4". If you come out with only 20 stitches instead of 21, that would work okay for this pattern. If you have a lot less, like only 16, then use a larger needle.

sue

[SabrinaJL]

Ok, so being the laziest person in the world, I decided to just measure two inches of the swatch and count the stitches (didn't feel like knitting another swatch). There are 10 1/2 stitches over those two inches. So I'm assuming that means I'm good to go.

[suzeeq]

Yep, that works!!

sue