Pattern Gauge calls Size 13 needle, 9 1/2 Sts and 14 rows for a 4 inch square.
My size 13 gets me 4 inches at 8 Sts and 12 rows.
My size 11 gets me 4 inches at 9 1/2 Sts at 12 rows.
I dont actually have size 12 but I assume that based on the yarn I bought, I may need to recalculate the # of rows?? But if my assumption is wrong, I will get the 12s and try again.
Advice? I actually dont mind if the Cat in the pattern is fatter/wider - preferred to taller…
What is the name of your cat pattern and designer? (The attachment didn’t post.)
It can be difficult at times to get both stitch gauge and row gauge. With most patterns, stitch gauge is more important although there are some exceptions.
Most patterns also give lengths to knit rather than rows. If rows are given, then they can be converted to lengths using the pattern row gauge.
So if you’re getting stitch gauge with the size 11 needles you’re probably good to go.
Are you knitting a large enough swatch, one larger than 4 inches? You want a large swatch so that you can measure over the middle 4 inches, not including the edge sts. It’s also possible to measure over the middle 2 inches of your swatch and double the number of sts if necessary.
You might want to work out the overall finished length if you work the pattern as given but on your row gauge. This could help you decide if you’re happy with the length or if you want to make adjustments which you can plan before you get too far in. Adjstments might be as easy as adding more plain orange at the bottom and/or more plain blue at the top to get to the length wanted. Or it could be a bit more involved like adding rows along the pattern as ColoCro suggested, in which case working out how many addiional rows and where to put them might be easier planned ahead and jotted on the chart.
I get a bit carried away working a chart and just keep going if I don’t have a note or sticky highlighter alerting me to stop.
