Houston, we have a problem.
I did my gauge swatch last night. I can’t get gauge. The pattern calls for 18 sts over 26 rows, at 4 inches, on a size 7 needle. I’ve done a gauge swatch on a size 7, size 8, and size 9. My swatch measures about 3 1/2 inches on a size 9.
Swatch squares- from left to right, size 7, 8, and 9 needle:
Swatch for size 9 needles- Measures 3 1/2 inches:
Here’s my plan: I’m going to use the size 8 needle and cast on for the large size. From my experience knitting in the round for socks, my gauge seems to be pretty loose when I knit in the round. I generally use a size 0 needle and I get 8-8.5 stitches per inch. Plus, I’m working on losing weight, so if the sweater is a little small, maybe it’ll be okay by the time I can wear it in the fall. Since this is knit top down, I’ll be able to try this on and I can always frog it and use a size 10 (!) needle, I guess, if it’s impossibly small.
Am I crazy?
I have started on the Chevron Scarf. It’s too early to tell yet how the color combinations will turn out. I’ll probably have something to show tomorrow. By then I should be able to decide whether it’s too hideous to continue, or whether it’s okay and wearable.
Ah gauge. I’m a loose knitter so I have the opposite problem. I routinely go down two or three needle sizes (although I’m OK with socks for some reason). 18sts per inch seems like a heavy worsted or aran weight gauge … your yarn looks a bit lighter than that, could that be the issue?
Comment by eusebius — June 16, 2007 @ 6:34 am |
Sorry, I meant 18sts per 4 inches – Silly me! Not enough coffee yet!!
Comment by eusebius — June 16, 2007 @ 6:34 am |