New knitter needs help with gauge problem

Hi! I would go ahead and do the 4 inch swatches with the different size needles, then measure each of them. Are you using a patterned stitch? Ribbing or cables are going to measure smaller across than a garter or stockinette stitch with the same number of stitches. Also, are you keeping the same tension? Let us know how you do. Marie and the cats-in the middle of an aran sweater

Oooops, I meant to say *I'm* in the middle of knitting an aran sweater and when I'm not working on it, the cats are in the middle of it *sleeping* on it, for Pete's sake! (They sneak into my work basket when I'm at work, LOVE that wool. Marie and the cats

We always advise doing a 6 inch square swatch, and then take it off the needles, and measure the gauge in the centre over 4 inches. This gets away from the edges which tend to curl up and are difficult to measure.

Roger.

Starla,

You say this is your first sweater - have you done much other knitting? If you are new to knitting, your gauge may change as you relax and get further along in the sweater. You may want to knit a scarf or something first to see if your gauge changes. If you are not new to knitting, then a bigger swatch would be a good idea.

If your gauge did change, then using the same needles could work out ok.

BB

Hi Starla,

First welcome to the greatest group on the net. You have been given some really good answers about the gauge. Come back and let us know how it turned out.

Nora

I would agree with the others that you should do a larger swatch and, as Roger recommended, 6 inches will give you better results. It is fairly common to "get gauge" with a different size than specified in the pattern so it's OK if you still get the same results with the size 8. Ribbing is usually done on a needle 2 sizes less although I have been satisfied with just 1 size less. Depending on the style, it may be that the ribbing doesn't need to be 10 1/2 inches. I often measure sweaters I've worn to judge what measurement I'll want for a new sweater.

Hi Starla Welcome to this fantastic ng. Here you will find knittters and crafters who between them have a huge wealth of knowledge. I would urg you to make a swatch as described in your pattern, only then can you decide whether the patterning needs a smaller or larger needle, this being the main part of the pattern of course. you will then know whether to go up or down a size of needle for the actual ribbing... ORRRR you could try using the needles rec and knitting a tiny bit tighter or looser...

Do block and press your swatch too...this will give you the correct gauge..

Let us know how you get on......Cheers.....Cher

Hi I've noticed over here (UK) that our patterns now give you the sizing say a size 38inch bust/chest size, then along a bit it tells you what the actual size of the garment will knit up to when finished ...usually a size bigger.....so we never know whether to start by knitting the size smaller.....lol

cheers......Cher...