question about gauge

[jeangenie]

my pattern tells me 16 st/32 rows to 4 inch on 4.5mm needles so I figured 8st/16rows to 2inch

I know I knit tight so I tried first on 5mm needles and got 10st/20 rows to 2 inch

then on 5.5mm I got 9st /18 rows to 2 inch

does that really mean I need to go to 6mm?

(I am very bad with gauge and normally don't bother - am trying to be good )

Have you tried making the swatch bigger, I do mine 4" x 4", so you get a true gauge. It allows for your hands to get into the 'rhythm' iyswim. Then measure the inch in the middle. I'd do that first.

um yes probably! What are you knitting? 2 st extra per inch means e.g in a hat 20inches wide your hat will be 17.8in instead. However in a teacosy this might not matter.

BTW IKnit are moving! Do you want to do another shop visit/knit meet?

THIS is what I am planning to undertake, it's quite fitted so I need to get gauge right...

ok, I suppose I better do a full 4x4 swatch - was just being lazy, seems like a total waste of knitting time! (but i know it's not in the long run)

florenceUk - yes I did notice they are moving, and thought of suggesting exactly the same thing - waterloo is much handier for me, not far from work...

RHW - do you want to come along?

Oh, that is gorgeous. Yes, thank you, I would love to.

very pretty - I guess it does need to fit reasonably well!

Shall we do a call for interest for when the new shop is up and runnign - probably post Easter for me at this rate.

RHW which days suit you best? I am quite flexible - the knitting nights are usually wed or Thursday.

ooh thought this was about trains

nope - no trains here

so with 6mm I get 8st/16-17 rows to 2 inches, and I knit 4in by 3in to check (so A bit better)

so that sounds about right...

thank god for interchangeable needles and having every size on hand

florence - my 6mm don't feel as smooth as the others, a bit "snaggy" on one needle - does that mean they are split? (can't see any splits)

i'd check to see if there is a small split or nick in the wood - if so you may want to swap, as it will only get worse. I scratched mine with a stitchmarker (sob) and I do notice it.

Hopefully be back at work by May, which will mean I'll be in Hatfield until 8ish, up unitl then anytime is fine.

wednesdays are good for me (DH lectures on Thurs nights), after Easter is good too...shall we try to go on a Wednesday evening that they are in the shop, so we can have a good poke around too...(every second weds they go to a pub I believe)

yes, let's do a call all knitters/crocheters once we've sorted out dates that might work

Sounds good, dh home Weds evenings, as long as Arsenal aren't playing at home that is.

Ok first wed evening after Easter that they are in teh shop. I won't be able to make the first week of the term break as DH is going away [grrr], hopefully there will be one before then or shortly after. I'll keep an eye on the notice board and post accordingly!

sounds good - I may be busy on March 26th - there is something on at DD1s school but am not sure yet whether is afternoon or evening yet...