Knitters I need your help.

[tallmummy]

I've not done any knitting for years and was never an expert!
I've just bought a pattern for a simple jumper for 3 year old. Have correct wool but not the right sized needles. I inherited my granny's knitting case - full of needles but no no.5s. Is it ok to use no.4s or will this muck up the size.

Sorry if this is a really dippy question BTW!!

[suzywong]

yeah should be fine, give room for growth

[tallmummy]

Thanks suzy - I may be back for more advice once I get knitting!

[mousiemousie]

For a reliably good result you need to knit up a swatch. If this doesn't match the pattern then either change needle size until it does or adjust the pattern - not too hard if you're not scared of numbers

[NotQuiteCockney]

Please do a sample square.

Switching down a size of needle will make the jumper smaller, not larger. And it might make the fabric weirdly stiff, depending on the difference between a 4 and a 5 (I don't do old money needles ...).