Help!
First, I know that I should have done a test swatch but I didn’t and now I’m trying to fix things 
I am using a Plymouth Yarn, 85/15, cotton/silk yarn, Lyndon Hill, that called for US 4 needles. The pattern called for lace weight yarn & US 0 needles. I used US 2 needles because I am a “tight” knitter. Anyway, the item is knitting up about 50% bigger than expected!
My question …
How much will this yarn shrink if I wash it in hot water & dry it?
Thanks!!!
Cecilia
Not a whole lot but cotton does shrink some. The problem is that you’ll have no control over the shrinkage and washing it in hot water may damage the silk content. Sorry but it really might be best to frog the project, start over or share it with someone larger than yourself.
Sorry to say, but yes, you need to either start over or give it to a bigger person. This is just not going to work by any attempt at shrinking.
That’s one of the hazards of changing yarn weight other than what is called for in a pattern. Sometimes you can deal with it by going up or down a size, but not always. A gauge swatch is your best bet and if you can’t get gauge and have a fabric you like you need to choose a different yarn.
Thanks to everyone for your input!
I guess I learned my lesson the hard way about not doing a gauge swatch first. I won’t be skipping that step again especially when changing yarn weight and / or needles.
The good news is that it’s a doll sweater so I’m just going to find a larger doll to wear it.
Cecilia