Knitting gauge question - can I knit the smaller size with bigger needles - will it work?

[Miaou]

Have pattern for wrap cardigan in mohair. Specifies 5mm needles. I only have 5.5mm needles

Now the sensible thing of course would be to wait until tomorrow, then buy a pair of 5mm. But I want to start it now - so can I do the size below with 5.5mm? Will it work? I was swithering between the two sizes anyway.

Thoughts please!

knit a square and check your tension. If you are there, or there abouts you should be OK

Oh good point mb. I never do tension squares - too impetuous

No me! (martian baggy sweater bishop)

If you use larger needles and the tension isn't right then you may end up with a cardi the right size but the item will be more floppy than it should be, probably won't hold its shape as well etc.

You should only use the size of needle recomended on the ball band or it just won't look right.

As an experienced knitter I don't encounter this difficulty as I have at least one pair of needles in every size

Sit on your hands and wait till tomorrow it will be worth it.

Ah well flibberty - the ball band does say 5.5mm, which is why I thought I would be ok (and I've already started ) I have needles in every other size, just not 5mm - no idea why!

tbh I think needle size is much less important than needle manurfacturers like to think

elizabeth zimmerman pointed out that our fingers aren't stupid, you know instinctively how to create an even tension so if you are knitting with slightly smaller needles, odds are you will adjust your own tension to match the yarn.

I've always found this-but agree, do a tension square and check.

What did you do Miaou?

Well, I carried on, but I'm going to check the tension once I've done a few more rows I think. But I do think you have a point filly - plus I tend to knit quite tight anyway - so I think it will be ok! Will see how it goes (and will put on Ravelry tomorrow DutchOma )

Well that's good, because no-one has posted anything on Ravelry Mumsknitters for a while I think.

LOL DutchOma, have a look, Florence posted a new thread only yesterday!

So are you knitting in a yarn different to the one specified in the pattern?
The item will come out a bigger size if you are using wool for 5.5 needles on 5.5 needles than if you are using wool for 5mm needles on 5mm needles.

I've never had to do a tension square but have never had any probs with sizing - but then if I don't use the recommended wool I only choose one that has the recommended size needles listed on the ball band.

Well I got the wobbles, stopped knitting and bought 5mm ones - not worth the risk of spoiling the garment I think!

I might ask for interchangeable ones for my birthday. Possibly. Though I tend to have lots of projects on the go at once so I'm not sure how that would work.