Is it OK to change gauge if you keep total cast on stitches the same?

#1

Hi,
I am making a sweater with a gauge of 18 st per 4" on US 8 needle. I want a circumference of 50", but the pattern only gives me 48" or 52 1/2" to choose from. The 48" is too small and the 52 1/2" is too big – I want 6" of positive ease for a 44" chest circumference. The cast on for the 52 1/2" is 236 stitches. Using this 236 as the stitch count I want, I could make the gauge 19 st per 4" which would give me 50" – just the right amount of circumferance.

I get this figure by dividing 19 st by 4" which gives me 4.75 st per 1". I then divide my 236 st by 4.75 st/in. and get ~50" circumference which is perfect. I realize I am changing the gauge (in a way), but I am not changing the stitch count, so the pattern should hold true. In a way, I am only making my sweater a little smaller by “missing my guage.” Is this OK? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Zaffer

#2

Welcome to KH!
What is the name of your pattern?
That should work for a sweater with about a 50" chest circumference. Be sure to work a good sized gauge swatch and check your row gauge as well. It’s usually not critical since most patterns give lengths in inches or cm. But there are times that you need to take row gauge into consideration (raglans are an example).

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#3

Yes! You can change gauge without changing the number of stitches per inch (or any other measurement). If you’re knitting a sweater, you may want to make sure that the stitch pattern matches the size of the garment being knit. But if you’re making a scarf, you don’t have to worry about matching the stitch pattern to the size of the fabric.

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#5

Thanks Salmonmac for your good advice! My pattern is Whiskey Creek Pullover from Ravelry. It calls for set-in sleeves, so the row count should not be much of a problem. But I will knit a careful swatch!

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#6

Thanks Morion!
Zaffer

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#7

Nice one! We’d love to see a photo when you finish.

#8

Would it be necessary to check the sleeves for diameter fit with your 4.75st per inch? You would not want tight sleeves. I have no experience with sweaters but chest size is not the only dimention that will be affected.

Neck collar opening could also be a sticking point.

You’ve done well with the math for the body. You mich want to run the sleeve cast on and the neck size too.

I’ld defer you the other’s judgement on sweaters ir jumpers or pullovers.

Guten nacht, meine Freunde.

#9

Would it be necessary to check the sleeves for diameter fit with your 4.75st per inch? You would not want tight sleeves. I have no experience with sweaters but chest size is not the only dimention that will be affected.

Neck collar opening could also be a sticking point.

You’ve done well with the math for the body. You mich want to run the sleeve cast on and the neck size too.

I’ld defer you the other’s judgement on sweaters ir jumpers or pullovers.

Guten nacht, meine Freunde.

Yes! You can change gauge without changing the number of stitches per inch (or any other measurement). If you’re knitting a sweater, you may want to make sure that the stitch pattern matches the size of the garment being knit. But if you’re making a scarf, you don’t have to worry about matching the stitch pattern to the size of the fabric.

#10

Yes! You should not have to adjust your stitch count if you are keeping the total number of stitches the same. If you do find yourself having to make adjustments, then you may need to re-evaluate your pattern.

#11

Only a couple of needle sizes can be increased while still using the same type of yarn that was suggested in the original pattern. The stitches will be either too loose or too tight if you go above that limit. This means that only a few sizes will be available for your knit clothing.