Gauge for ribbing

#1

I just started a started a sweater that is done in a rib pattern k1, p1.

I did the gauge first, trying several different needle sizes, but they all came up around the same number stitches. I counted the stitches soo many times in disbelief, but yet not one came up for was indicated in the pattern or even a different number (the closest was a different number in the rows).

I decided to start the sweater with the needle size that was indicated on the yarn label, and I’m starting to believe that this was not the right thing. I think I may have counted the stitches wrong. and I need some advice desperately as although I just started knitting the sweater it looks small to me. I hate to finish it and find out it fits a child and not me!

Anyhow, on each of my gauges I was unable to see the purl stitches so I did not count them, and I am beginning to think this was a mistake. Also - in reading some of the posts am thinking that perhaps I am knitting too tight and that could be why I don’t see the purl side at all. I also know the sweater will stretch but how long.

Thank you for any help, Sue

#2

I’m not sure this question has ever been answered definitively, or if it has I can’t find it!

My opinion only…the purpose of ribbing is to stretch so I would say let it lie naturally and measure it. That said…it does sound like you might be knitting too tight if you can’t see the purl stitch at all.

If you can give some details like what the pattern calls for in gauge, yarn, needle and what you are using and getting for gauge when you measure, I might be able to help more.

#3

Thank you for your help. I am new to knitting and so far love it, but right now am a little discouraged and confused.

The pattern calls for 3.45 stitches/4 rows for 1” in goa with a size 10 needle. I was unable to buy the yarn and have substituted a cascade venezia which has a gauge of 3.5 stiches/4 rows 8-9 needle size. On all my gauges I have slightly 3 stitches (using 9, 10, 10/12 needle sizes) and the closet I have come to row height is 5.

if I spread it out and see the purl stitches I have closer to 5 stitches. (I don’t have my gauges with me - sorry I’m at work.)

Thanks again, sue

#4

Sounds like you must be a pretty tight knitter??? I would continue trying with 11 or 13…you are getting closer to what is called for and the yarn you chose is close enough that it shouldn’t be that off of the original.

If you are a tight knitter, you may want to consider loosening up a bit. For example if you pull on the yarn to tighten after each stitch, you really shouldn’t. Tight knitting can give you a headache later on if you are working with smaller needles, cables, or other stuff. Also makes gauge harder to get!

#5

Thank you for your help.

Will try new gauges and see if that makes a difference.

Sue

#6

You might also check the pattern again to see if it specifies the gauge is for the rib pattern or a plain stockinette swatch. Many patterns done in ribbing or other decrative stitches give gauge in stockinette because it is easy to see all of the stitches. I think that by not counting the purl stitches in your ribbing your gauge number is probably incorrect. Also you should make sure you are counting stitches over several inches to get a more accurate measurement. See here or here for tips on determining gauge. I also second kemp’s suggestion that you try knitting a bit looser.

Ribbing is a very stretchy fabric and will look small when you are working on it. Because it contracts it is not unusual for the purl stitches to disappear somewhat, if not completley. When my 1x1 ribbing is relaxed on the table I usually can’t see the purl stitches unless it is knit very loosely.

Finally, if after getting gauge and accounting for the stretch of ribbing you are still concerned about the fit, you can always run a thread or scrap yarn through your stitches on the needle, remove the needle and try it on. Good Luck!