I’m hoping to find yarn for the two afghan projects that are next on my to-do. However, I’m new enough that I don’t know how to translate a gauge from the pattern to the yarn.[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Both patterns are from the Lionbrand catalog - Tumbling Blocks and Tree of Life. The patterns call for [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]1) 18 sts + 24 rows = 4 in., size 8 needle (or 4.5 -6 = 1 in)[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]2) [/SIZE][/FONT]16 sts + 22 rows = 4 in. in St st, size 8 needle (or 4 - 5.5 = 1 in)
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]How do I know which yarn works when the yarn gauge numbers are simply “4 – 4.5/in”. This seems to indicate the number of stitches across, but not the number of rows in an inch. I’m looking for cotton or bamboo or blends, and washable merino wool yarns.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Any help you can provide will be appreciated! In these cases, getting the gauge right means that pattern blocks will be square and trees will be trees instead of bushes [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings]J[/FONT][/FONT].
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Thank you!!![/SIZE][/FONT]
How do you get the right yarn based on gauge number
The first number in the parentheses after each gauge example is the number of stitches per 1 inch, and the second number is the number of rows for 1 inch. They just saved you the time of doing the math for you. 
For example, in the first one, it says 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches on a size 8 needle. (OR: 4.5 stitches and 6 rows = [B]1 inch[/B]).
It is a little confusing the way it was written.
Hi KnitTogether,
Ooooooohhhhhh, now maybe I get it. But something is still confusing me because the ranges are so big. For example…
For the yarn gauge described as [I]18 sts + 24 rows = 4 in., [/I]I would buy yarn that says “4.5 - 6/in”. But I don’t see that kind of range usually stated for yarn gauge. It’s seems that smaller ranges like 4-4.5 or 4.5-5 are more typical (or maybe I don’t shop at enough places 
.
In the example I just mentioned, would you purchase yarn with a stated gauge of 4.5-5/in?
Thanks again for your help!
Most yarns that I buy, and patterns that I have laying around, give the gauge in the number of stitches and rows that equal 4 inches. Then when I do a 4x4 inch swatch square, and pull out my measure, I actually measure in the center of my swatch a 1x1 inch square, and do the math.
So if your pattern were to say 6 stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch, and the yarn you were buying gave the measure in a 4x4 square, you would be looking for yarn that stated 24 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches.
If your pattern said 20 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches, and your yarn gave the measure in stitches/rows for 1 inch, then you would be looking for yarn that said it was 5 stitches and 6 rows for 1 inch.
Like I mentioned, usually my patterns and my yarn both reflect gauge as stitches and rows per 4 inches.
The important thing is, what is [I]your[/I] stitch and row gauge when you make a swatch.
Thank you again. It sounds like I better head to a store and look at the grids on actual yarns before I buy anything. I purchase quite a bit online but for these projects, I’ll head to the stores.
How did people ever learn these tips and tricks before KnittingHelp forums existed? I can’t imagine knitting without all of you. 