I got gauge but now I'm confused on what needle sizes to use

Here’s what my pattern (Knitting Pure & Simple’s Lacy Pullover) says:

Materials- dk weight yarn: approx. 794 (892; 1,009; 1,104; 1,204;
1400)yds.
29 inch circular needles sizes 9 and 7, 16 inch circular needles size
7 and 5; double point needles size 7 (for sizes x-small and
small only) and 5 or sizes required to get the gauge.
Scrap yarn, stitch markers, blunt darning needle.
Gauge- using the size 7 needles in stockinette st, 20 sts equal
4 inches.

So, I was not able to get gauge with size 7 needles so tried size 8 needles and that works. However, the pattern calls for various size needles so I need help making sure i use the right ones.

Would I go up a size for each of the various sized needles required? FYI, this will be a size x-small.

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Does it tell you what the gauge is for the different needles? You might need to do some more swatching just to be sure you have the right combination of sizes.

Unfortunately, it does not. Hence my confusion!

That’s strange! Normally they do, I think.


What size needle is used for the main body of the pullover, the 7?

Yes, the main part of the sweater is using the size 7s (8s in my case). I just looked at the pattern again and see that the larger sized needles are used for the lace sections.

I think I really am attempting something beyond my abilities! Back to scarves, hats and blankets.

It’s likely that you’ll go up a needle size then for the patterns 9 and 5 as well. See which parts are worked with those needles and you’ll be able to judge. One may be used for the lace and perhaps another for bind offs but that’s a guess?

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I decided to be brave and attempt this pattern but have a question on the very first row!

I cast on 74 stitches with markers after stitch 2, 20, 54, and 72.

The pattern says:
Row 1- k1, yo, k1, slip marker, k1, yo, k to one stitch before next marker, rep 2 times, k to one stitch before marker, yo, k1, slip marker, k1, yo, k1

If the repeat pattern is the part b between asterisks, it seems that the “k to one before marker” after “rep 2 times” is a duplicate.

Am I overthinking this?

Row 1- k1, * yo, k1, slip marker, k1, yo, k to one stitch before next marker * , rep 2 times, k to one stitch before marker, yo, k1, slip marker, k1, yo, k1

The pattern is indicating the 4 raglan increases. The last is written separately because it ends k1 rather than “knit to one stitch before the next marker”. Presumably this is part of what the designer wanted on either side of what will be the front neck.

Thank you, Salmonmac. Still doesn’t make sense to me but I think I will just start and see if becomes clearer.

I think you’re right, it is a duplicate of information and not necessarily needed, possibly adding a bit of confusion. Although it wouldn’t actually change what you did at this point as you are already at the one stitch before marker.
I don’t think you’re necessarily “over thinking” just trying to plan ahead and check you understand the instruction.
It might however make more sense once its on the needles and you can see whats happening.
You can always ask again if you get stuck can’t you?

For what it’s worth, I was reading my new pattern too and saw it said if you change one needle for gauge then change all by an equal amount. So if you change 7 to 8 then also change 9 to 10 and change 5 to 6.

Did you dampen/wash the swatch to measure it after washing?
I have not done that before, never knew it was supposed to me washed, but I’m going to try this for my new project when the yarn arrives.

This is an example of careful pattern writing by the designer. Remember, this sweater is going to start out as a top down cardigan. There will be 4 raglan seams with an opening between the first and 4th for the lower front neckline.

Three of those raglan seams are accounted for in the * yo, k1, slip marker, k1, yo, k to one stitch before next marker * worked once, then repeated 2x more. There is then a 4th at the very front. Just as the row starts with a k1, it will also end with a k1 rather than a “knit to next marker”.

It’s often helpful to draw this out on paper so that you know where the pattern is going. The front neckline will fill in on a later row to make this a pullover.

Picking up the needles and working this is a good idea. You’ll see what’s happening as you work. Enjoy!

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