Need needle size advice please

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After advice please if anyone can help. I have a few days to knit a hat for my niece. Super chunky yarn, pattern calls for 9mm needles. I only have 8mm and 10mm. It’s a single rib pattern so quite stretchy. Should I go up or down a size? Thanks in advance :smiling_face:

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Go with 8mm for a snug fit or 10mm for a looser feel. Since ribbing is stretchy, either should work. If unsure, do a quick swatch. For entertainment while knitting, check out FreeCine Mod APK for free movies & TV.

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Hello,
It’s wonderful that you’re knitting a hat for your niece! Given that your pattern calls for 9mm needles and you have 8mm and 10mm needles, here are a few things to consider:

Since you’re working with a single rib pattern, which is quite stretchy, you have some flexibility.

Option 1: Use 8mm Needles

  • Your stitches will be tighter, and the fabric will be denser.
  • The hat might end up being slightly smaller, which could be perfect if your niece has a smaller head.
  • If you knit loosely, the difference might not be too noticeable, but it’s always good to make a swatch to check.

Option 2: Use 10mm Needles

  • The stitches will be looser, and the fabric will be more open.
  • The hat will likely end up a bit larger, which might be fine if you want the hat to have some room to grow or if your niece has a larger head.
  • A loose-knit could also make the hat warmer and more comfortable.

Given that single rib is forgiving and stretchy, either option can work. However, if you want to stay closer to the pattern’s gauge Marlboro Rewards I recommend going up to 10mm needles for a more relaxed fit, especially if the hat needs to accommodate some growing room.

Whichever you choose, enjoy your knitting project!

Best regards,
Sarah

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That’s fab! Thank you so much for your advice and for replying so quickly. Really appreciate it :heart:

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Welcome to the forum! If you start with 8 mm on the rib but think the main part of the hat would be better on the larger needles you can change after an inch or two of rib. Patterns often call for smaller needles for rib. As already stated you can go either way but the brim of the hat might be too loose with the larger needles.

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