Hello, I am attempting start a new project, knitting a jumper in Rowan Kidsilk Haze. The pattern (Nova, by Quail studios in Rowan magazine 72) says the tension should be 21st and 28 rows using 4mm needles, with 2 strands of yarn held together.
I have now swatched and wet blocked 3 different samples and I can’t get close to this gauge. On 4mm needles, I get 17.5 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm. On 3.75mm I get 18 stitches and 32 rows, and on 3.5mm I get 20 stitches and 35 rows.
What am I doing wrong)?! Am I right to measure the swatch after wet blocking, or is the gauge the pattern gives based on an unblocked sample?
Should I go with the 3.5mm needles, and just do fewer rows? Or try again on 4mm with tighter tension?
I use Rowan yarns and patterns all the time and have never had issues with tension before, but this is my first time using Kidsilk Haze.
Any help gratefully received!
Thanks
Hello
Do you have a smaller needle you can try a swatch with?
I would aim for the 21 sts if possible and focus on that rather than the row gauge. It’s easier to alter the row count based on your own gauge and the measurements needed in the pattern. Altering the stitch count is a bit harder and if you go with the larger needle gauge and don’t alter the stitch count the width of the sweater will not be as expected.
The other thing to keep in mind though is which of the swatches you prefer the feel and drape of. You don’t want a tight fabric that’s stiff. If you like the looser gauge you might be able to follow a different size I the pattern gut result in the size you wanted. Not always possible depending what sizes are given in the patten.
It’s always recommended to block or wash the swatch before measuring so I think you have made the right decision here.
Beautiful color progression in this sweater.
Two thoughts:
Are you measuring gauge over the middle 4 inches of your swatches?
There’s plenty of positive ease in this sweater. Would knitting a smaller size work for you?
Thank you for your replies! Update: I tried the swatch again on 4mm, but this time I just steam blocked it and didn’t pin it as much, and I managed to get the perfect tension. I think this yarn is just too delicate for the way I was blocking it before! Thanks again for your help!
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Good to hear you’ve found a solution and can move on. I also re washed a swatch this week as it didn’t come out a suitable size the first time.
Just check row gauge, if it’s different to the pattern you can work to your gauge for number of rows and measurements whih is usually easier than altering stitch count.