gauge

[sharay]

Gauge: 18 sts., 22 rows = 4" in stockinette st. on larger size needles.

Large needle called for: size 9.

Problem: I've used a size 8, and knitted the 18 sts / 22 rows, but come up with 4" across, and only 3-1/2" in length.?.

I don't see how I could come up with 4" across & length by going up or down a needle size.

The pattern is for leg warmers, so I suppose I'd be more concerned about the width than length, as I can always knit more rows to get desired length.

Thanks to anyone who might shed some light on my ?