Does it matter what cast on method to use for seed stitch?

#1

Hi All,

I’m new to knitting (so far have only knitted a dish cloth - required only knit stitches, no purling). I was looking at the how to demo’s for cast on but it does not specify any particular type for seed stitch. Does it matter which one I use? Is one better than another?
Also, the new project I am starting states that it needs a 10.5 straight knitting needles and for a gauge 10" = 31 stitches (2 strands). How many rows should I knit in the seed stitch to get an accurate measure?
I tried the 6.5 mm but I did not have enough stitches per inch, so I went up to 7.5 mm (the store clerk did not recommend that I use 8.0mm something about extra stitches, but he lost me with the explanation and I just took his advice). I’m still a little shy of the 10" = 31 stitches, mine is probable closer to 9.5" would you recommend that I try a larger size (this is for a baby blanket with a hood).

Thanks for all your help!

#2

I use long-tail cast on for just about everything. It will be fine for seed stitch.

As for gauge, if you are getting about 3.25 stitches per inch, and the pattern calls for 3.1 stitches per inch, your blanket will be a bit smaller than the pattern says.

If you are getting too many stitches per inch, you need to go up a needle size.

If you are getting too few stitches per inch, you need to go down a needle size.

I’m a little confused about your original posting, but gauge can be confusing. I’m going to assume you had too many stitches per inch, so the yarn shop recommended going up a needle size.

Here’s what I always use to remember gauge.

If you are getting 4 stitches per inch on 100 stitches, you’ll have 25 inches worth of knitting.

If you are getting 5 stitches per inch on 100 stitches, you’ll have 20 inches of knitting.