Swatch/Guage Question

[kristaj]

I am swatching before I start knitting the Hey Teach sweater pattern. I knit 17 stitches and 24 rows per directions. I did come up with 4 inches in height, but my width is short by almost three quarters of an inch. Will it be ok to go up a needle size to come up with correct width, but end up with extra height?

[suzeeq]

Don't worry so much about the row gauge, you need to match the stitch gauge. Also, cast on extra stitches so you don't use the end sts in measuring. They're a different size than the middle ones and curl under and can give you the wrong measurement. So cast on about 25 sts and knit about 3-4", then measure. It's also a good idea to wash and/or block your swatch as some yarns relax and stretch or shrink up a little.