Gauge Help!

[anna1222]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a beginner knitter that's attempting to start knitting her first sweater. However, my gauge is off and I don't know how to fix it.... The instructions say: 22 sts and 30 rows to 4in measured over SS on 4mm (US 6) needles. I stitched a sample square longer and wider than what they asked in SS on size 6 needles. I measured 4 inches each way and found that covered 23 sts and 28/29 rows! I don't know if I should stick with my size 6 needles, or go up, or down... so confused and wondered if you guys could give me some advice?!

Thanks!!
~Anna

[kemp]

That is actually pretty cose, but if you go down a needle size (5) you'll probably get it just about perfect since you're only off by a little.

[anna1222]

Thanks for responding because I'm actually on my way to the knitting store shortly... If I go down to a 5 my rows may be to small though... they're 29 sts and they are suppose to be 30 sts... so maybe I should stick with a 6??

Thanks for your help!

[Newbie2Knitting]

I posted this in General, too, but I just found this from Knitting Software News (they emailed it to me, so I'm not sure if a direct link will work). Anyway, it's a swatch wizard. Apparently, you knit up a swatch, enter your rows and number of stitches cast on, and it automatically calculates your gauge.


Knitting Software News
- Introducing Swatch Wizard - PC & Mac

Drum roll please. I would now like to introduce Swatch Wizard!
Leah: Hello Swatch Wizard. What brings you here today?
Swatch Wizard: Well Leah, I have been programmed to accurately generate gauge and also store swatch information for both PC and Mac users.
Leah: Really! That sounds so neat, Swatch Wizard. Exactly how do you work?
Swatch Wizard: It's actually very simple Leah. The user enters the number of cast-on stitches and the number of worked rows. After blocking the swatch, the knitter/crocheter simply enters the measurements of the swatch and with a simple click of the mouse, I generate an accurate gauge.
Leah: Now, you also said one can store swatch information?
Swatch Wizard: Yes, the user can then take the gauge information and enter it into a database located right in the program. The database also stores inportant information like needle size, yarn, and stitch description.
Leah: Awesome, Swatch Wizard. Thank you so much for taking time away from your number crunching to talk to me.
Swatch Wizard: Your welcome, Leah. It has been my pleasure. I look forward to working with all of you.
Swatch Wizard PC & Mac

Swatch Wizard PC & Mac
Swatch Wizard
No longer fuss with counting stitches or rows between ruler ticks! Cast on the desired number of stitches, work the desired number of rows. Bind off, block and measure. Enter the number of cast on stitches and the number of rows worked, and voila, an accurate gauge.

Available for both PC & Mac platforms.
Digital Download, immediately available - Introductory Price $9.95

Swatch Wizard Download

[anna1222]

huh, I didn't know that existed! Thanks Newbie2Knitting!

[suzeeq]

The stitch gauge is more important than the row gauge; you can always adjust the number of rows you knit, but not the stitches. Most patterns have you knit X inches rather than X rows and for a sweater, the rows may stretch out a little as it's worn anyway.