So on my swatch I am off 1/2 stitch too many in 4 inches. Row gauge seems to be right on. Should I try next size needle up or will this be ok
Gauge
What are you making?
I assume whatever it is, gauge is going to be important so worth trying one size up on the needle. At the same time, see if you like the knit fabric with both size needles or just with one or the other.
Leksak tunic for child. Started this but got side tracked so want to get really started but obviously want to make sure after all the work that it will be the right size
Sweet tunic!
Yes, there’s a bit of ease in the sweater but you certainly don’t want it to be too small. That said, for the 6 year old size, the width is only going to be off by about a half inch. Probably less because some of that width is made up of the wide band at each front.
So if you like the feel and drape of the swatch you have and can tolerate about a half inch smaller circumference, you’re ok.
Did you wash and dry the swatch? I think you’re using the drops Merino extra fine for this, I have never used it so not sure if it drys the same size or changes with the first wash.
I’d try a slightly larger needle for another swatch, if younhave 0.25mm larger, only because you’re making a smaller size pattern anyway and a slightly larger result might be preferable than the smaller one. Just based on the the size and age thing we were thinking about previously.
Or it could be that you can gently pat it out to a slightly larger size when wet?
I have not. I never have. I think because I’m so afraid of running out of yarn. I do the swatch then rip it out. I think I might try just wetting the swatch (not the whole ball) pin it and see if I can get an idea from that. I guess I’ll see what happens.
I actually have not decided to whether to go up a needle for sure yet. I am going to try a swatch with next size up of needle, which is a 7. I actually think I am more driven by the feel of the knitting with the size 6. I am using a yarn recommended by design so was surprised that the drape wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be a lot less tight. So I’ll see what change in needle size does
Well, I did soak the swatch and blocked and the size 6 needles came out exactly. I also feel it gave me a better idea of how it would drape and I am pleased with that result also. Thanks. Guess it pays to take your time and try to get it right. Also who wants to dread the entire time working on a project that it might not come out right or how you think it will. So now on to the project!
That’s great news.
There are a lot of these lovely tunics on ravelry. I noticed many people saying it grew with washing but they were not using the same yarn you are. I think it has a garter sections, i don’t know if it’s just me but I feel garter is stretcher than say stockinette, less stable, especially with weight of fabric on it. But I think you will be OK with it going a little bigger if that happens. If it ends up a little too stretchy you could add some additional structural rows afterwards, I’ve done this before and it looks just fine (nicer in my opinion). It was on an old thread here I first read about it.
Well, I’m rambling.
Enjoy making this lovely tunic, I’m looking forward to hearing about (and seeing) the progress.
I make a swatch, but I don’t cut the yarn off from the ball. Then I give the swatch a soak and lay it out or pin it out to dry as normal. After it’s dry, I can unravel it, wind the crinkly yarn into a loop/mini skein, secure it with a tie, soak it for a while, squeeze it out in a towel, then pull on it and give a bit of a “snap” to encourage the zigzags to disappear (not too hard).
If it’s warm, I pop it outside to dry. If it’s cold, I blowdry it. Doesn’t take too long. Drying fairly quickly in warm air seems to plump up the yarn and return it to its original state better, at least that’s what I’ve found with wool. Some yarn has a strong memory and needs two soaks to de-kink.
Steaming with a hovering iron or in a colander over a pan of hot water are also options to straighten out the kinks.
I don’t unravel the swatch until near the end of the project as it’s handy to keep as a reference and in case you lose your notes! Then I do as described above when I need to use that last ball.