What do you do when the stitch count is right but not the row count? It should be 32 stitches to 4 inches and I only get 26. Help?
Gauge
Hello
It depends what you’re making and how the pattern is written but often you can knit to the length given and just focus on the stitch gauge being accurate for the width.
In tops it may give a length to knit to or a schematic with measurements on rather than a row count. You can ork whatever numeracy of rows you need in your gauge.
Blankets usually have a length rather than a number of rows.
If it gave number of rows and no measurement, such as work 10 rows, you can work out the measurement by the row gauge given and then work to length.
Some times I check or work out sleeve length and the increases or decreases (dec so many stitches very 6 rows for example) just to make sure my row gauge won’t make everything totally off.
Some patterns warn that gauge is vital.
Do you have a pattern you are swatching for?
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As Creations mentioned, many patterns have you knit to a measurement rather than a given number of rows. One of the exceptions is a raglan sweater where you are dependent on row gauge as you decrease or increase the stitch number. If your row gauge is off you may need to adjust the frequency of increases (for top down raglans) or decreases (for bottom up raglans) in order to have the correct measurements.
Anoter exception in sweater knit sideways in which case row gauge is critical and stitch gauge not so much but these are much less frequent patterns.
What is the name of your pattern and designer?
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Thank you for your feedback. My pattern is: “Venturer’s Vest” by Linda Courtney.
It does have a blocking diagram so that should be helpful.
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Good looking vest!
A couple of people commented on the row gauge which is pretty tight for worsted weight yarn.
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/pennystarin/venturers-vest
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/KnitOxford/venturers-vest
Have you washed and dried the swatch according to the ball band instructions?