Needle Sizes

trishairene · 11-29-2007, 01:29 PM

I have a pattern that calls for size 6 needles, but the closest I have is size 7. If I use the 7's will the pattern still turn out right?

MAmaDawn · 11-29-2007, 06:37 PM

It really depends on how you knit... what are you making? If it's a scarf or an afghan, then gauge doesn't matter as much... if it's a sweater or hat or anything like that then it does matter quite a bit.

So all that to say it's best to do a gauge swatch and see if it matches what you are going to be making...

trishairene · 11-29-2007, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the reply. I am making a dishcloth. So from what you said I figure it will make a difference.

suzeeq · 11-29-2007, 07:41 PM

No, she just didn't mention dishcloths. It only makes a difference for items that need to fit a particular size - hats, socks, sweaters.... Blankets, dishrags, some shawls and scarves it won't matter much.

trishairene · 11-29-2007, 10:40 PM

Ok, thanks for the help!

knitgal · 11-29-2007, 10:49 PM

I think dishcloths are mostly about personal preference for needles. I usually use a size 6 all the time because I like dishcloths to be knit tightly, but it really doesn't matter! Even if you mess up a dishcloth, you will still be able to wash dishes with it.