Hello. I’m new to this forum, so I hope someone can help me. I’m an intermediate knitter (have been knitting for 40 years) but am just now getting serious about checking gauge. aI’ve chosen to knit the “Central Park Hoodie” featured in the Fall 2006 Knitscene publication. [B]The pattern calls for a gauge of 17 sts and 24 rows over 4 inches on size 8 needles. [/B] I’ve chosen Cascade 220 yarn, but the gauge on it says 4.5 sts per inch (basically 18 sts per 4 inches) on a size 8. I typically knit very close to the gauge given, but am having trouble with my swatches. I can’t seem to get the correct gauge! When I use the size 8 needles, I get 19 or 19.5 sts per 4 inches and 14 rows per 2 inches. I went up to a size 9 needle, and I get 18.5 sts per 4 inches, and 13 rows per 2 inches, so I see I’m getting closer. But, here’s my question…My Vicki Square Knitter’s Companion suggests size 7-9 needles for medium weight yarn. Size 10 needles are recommended for bulky weight yarn and the Cascade 200 does not seem bulky to me. Should I still use the larger needles just to get the gauge or will the pattern be affected? Thank you in advance for any help!
Gauge question - using different yarn than suggested in pattern
If you knit tightly, you may need to go up several sizes from what is recommended. Try size 10s and don’t worry about the needle size ‘recommendations’. They’re only suggestions and and in my opinion, a lot of bulky yarn knit on size 10s comes out very stiff; I use even larger ones with worsted and like how the knitting comes out. Use whatever needle you need to in order to get a pattern’s gauge.