I am new to knitting and trying to measure my gauge. The pattern says 18 sts and 24 rows = 4 in. When I knit a swatch, the length is 4" but the width is only 3.5 ". So, If I change needle size, will it then make my length off? How is the best way to correct his gauge problem.
Thanks
Syndi
Usually I am most concerned with making sure my stitch width is on target. You can’t really do a whole lot about row length other than to compensate by knitting extra rows to make it longer. There’s no crime in that, it’s an easy way to make something the length you need. But stitches per inch width-wise is the one you need to fiddle with to get the right gauge.
I have a pattern right now that tells me the swatch, after steaming and blocking should measure 4x4 inches. I usually measure my per inch guage to get a better idea. Blocking can help you out a lot. So, you just need to adjust your needles up or down depending on if you get more or less stitches per inch until you get what the ball band or pattern recommends.
Does that make sense? :shrug:
thanks for your explanation and I understand that the width is more important than the length which can be easily changed.
With regard to stitches per inch - if my gauge says 18 sts then that would be 4.5 per inch, correct? If my knitting is 5 per inch, then I need to use larger needles?
Thanks
How did you knit your gauge swatch? It is suggested that you knit a large swatch and measure it in several different places to make sure that you have a true measure of your work.
If gauge is supposed to be 18 sts & 24 rows to 4 inches, then you want 4.5 stitches per inch (horizontally) and 6 rows per inch (vertically).
If you end up with less than 4.5 stitches per inch you’ll want to increase your needle size; more than 4.5 stitches per inch you’ll want to decrease your needle size.
It really is the horizontal stitch gague that you should worry about…unless it is a fitted garment. Try knitting a larger swatch and see if that helps with the measuring.