Can I use size 5 knitting needle instead of 4.5?

[Skinnymalinksmalogenlegs]

Hi,

I want to knit a jumper with worsted weight wool. The pattern says to use size 4.5mm needles.

As luck would have it, I have about 4 pairs of size 4mm and some 5mm but no 4.5mm. Will I ruin the jumper if I use the size 5?

Thanks.

Knit a tension square to see how your knitting varies from the pattern, and adjust as necessary. At worst it will come marginally looser and bigger on 5s.

I used to knit very slowly and tightly, so always used larger needles to compensate.

Depends on your tension. If you're a tight knitter you'll be fine but if your tension is loose it might it over the edge into not being quite right- the 4s would be better if that's the case for you.

The size of the needle on the pattern is only a suggestion of what you'll need to get gauge.

You need to do a gauge swatch (and ideally block it, especially if you're using superwash wool), it'll tell you in the pattern what it is. So depending on how tight your tension is, 5mm might work for you.

It does seem a faff to do but it's better than putting all the hours into the jumper to find it's too big.

You won't ruin the jumper but it might not fit. You do need to knit a tension square...

Or just buy more needles! You know you want to.

Or just knit a tension square and see if it comes out OK.

I think I need to buy the right size needles. 😂

You know when you're itching to start a new project?

I'd be kicking myself if I ruined it.

Thanks

But there are no right needles, only the right gauge.

I'm knitting a cardigan using fancy silk and yak yarn I splurged on. If I used the recommended needle size I'd ruin it because it would be too big and the fabric would be too loose and drapey. I had to go down a size to get gauge.