needle size for gauge

kaw003 · 07-22-2009, 12:57 AM

Ok, i know that you need to figure the size of the needles by the gauge. But a pattern I have says : 24 st in k1,p1 ribbing = 4" (10.16 cm).
Well, I started the swatch with size 8 needles and i THINK ihave only 16 sts in 4 in. Does that sound about right? I've never used much smaller needles. So I wasn't expecting to hae to use size 6 or 4. I hope this make sense...

Ingrid · 07-22-2009, 03:41 PM

It's hard to measure gauge with ribbing since it pulls in so much.

What's the pattern? Is the whole thing in ribbing?

suzeeq · 07-22-2009, 04:11 PM

Are you measuring the ribbing stretched out? To get 6 sts/inch on size 8s, it's probably with the ribbing unstretched.

kaw003 · 07-24-2009, 12:37 AM

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/fe...imalcrackerhat

thats the pattern. And yes, i believe the whole thing is in ribbing.

suzeeq · 07-24-2009, 01:03 AM

That's going to be with it measured unstretched.

sandy57th · 07-24-2009, 01:23 PM

The pattern is unusual in that it doesn't give a suggested needle size. But Caron Simply Soft is a slightly thinner than usual worsted weight, so 8s would be a good guess for a the right needles. Except that everyone knits at a different tension, especially when ribbing, so you may have to go down several sizes to get that gauge. Make sure you're doing your swatch in K1 P1, casting on about 30 sts and knitting for 2 inches, and then measure, as other posters said, without stretching at all.