Using dk rather than aran yarn? Knitting help!

[JennieLee]

I have bought some really nice dk yarn but realise it's meant for 4mm when - apart from the ribbing, the pattern is for 5mm needles, I should have bought Aran weight.

So if I were to do this yarn on 5mm, its going to be rather lacy and loose. On the other hand a lighter/lightweight jumper might be worn more than a thick one.

What will happen if I knit it on 4.5 instead? I can see it might mess up the shaping slightly - but it's a basic child's sweater, not a designer garment.

www.berroco.com/sites/default/files/downloads/patterns/Berroco_FreePattern_Lawrence.pdf

It also wouldn't matter if the end product came out a bit small - providing I get the neck wide enough - as it's for a chunky 2 year old, and I'm opting for the 4 year old size....

It looks like a fairly basic pattern why not look for a similar jumper pattern using the dk yarn then you will be sure of the size. This one is similar www.laughinghens.com/knitting-pattern/sirdar-5243-baby-striped-garter-stitch-yoke-jumper-garter-stitch-yoke-striped-jumper

Thanks dunkery. I think changing patterns is the way to go, as you suggest, especially as I like the yarn.

I think I shall probably try this one. www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/patterns-and-books/rowan-jo-childs-sweater-in-rowan-original-denim-downloadable-pdf

I agree that you need a dk pattern. I find rowan patterns complicated.

That pattern is lovely, but might be a problem if it's designed for Rowan Denim yarn.

I've used their denim yarn before (many years ago) and a feature of it was you knitted it quite loosely, and then when finished you wash it and it shrinks to the correct size.

The Rowan Denim yarn might not do this any more, but do check.

I think I am going to try - I should find out fairly soon what it looks like in the DK yarn that I bought. If the effect is weird, I can always unravel and think again.

I reckon by nature I am quite a 'tight' knitter, so perhaps the fact that my chosen yarn (Woolcraft Baby Print) won't shrink, won't really matter.

But thanks for the warning!

Make sure you knit your gauge swatch and then you can just make adjustments as needed. Or you could just use two strands of dk?

Two strands of some DK will be thicker than some Aran.

I have started - just using the one strand of DK on the Rowan pattern. It's looking promising. Shall attach photo when I am a bit further on....

@JennieLee , I like your first pattern, Berocco Lawrence. Going to give it a go, for age 4. Thank you.

@Footle

Two strands of some DK will be thicker than some Aran.

Using two strands to match Aran weight is a pretty common technique - it will be closer than using a single strand of dk but, obviously, you would still need to swatch and make adjustments if needed.

The first pattern would be easier to adjust as the sleeves are knitted by picking up the armhole stitches. The second pattern knits the sleeves separately and if your gauge isn’t correct they might not fit the armhole correctly (unless you adjust the pattern). I’ve only had a quick look at the patterns though.

Thanks everyone. Next query (am on pattern 2 and will look out for correct fit when it comes to the sleeves.)

Next question is re interpreting the chart. (I've done various stitches like moss and cable before, but from instructions rather than a pictured chart.)

If I am doing the fourth size and am starting to work the diamond shaped pattern on the back, do I start where it says 4th on the right hand side of the screenshot (as opposed to the 4th on the left?)

I am all sorted now - thanks to a neighbour.