Row Gauge Question

#1

So, I’ve never really done a pattern before where row gauge was critical to the shaping, so I’ve never had this issue arise before.

I was looking over a pattern I purchased for a baby hat I’d like to make and was pleased to note that I can get stitch gauge close enough with some lovely yarn I already have on hand, despite the fact that neither the needle size nor the yarn weight match those called for (I’ve been doing 21 sts to 4 inches with sport weight on another project, vs 22 sts with DK that this pattern calls for). However, the row gauge is WAY off–about 24 sts to 4 inches vs 32.

This seems an obvious problem: since the pattern involves lots of shaping with increases and decreases to snugly fit a baby head, I can’t simply drop a few rows and achieve exact same shapes.

So anyway, I’m hoping appeal to more experienced knitters for suggestions of what might be some practical solutions in situations like this…?

#2

What pattern are you making?
DK and sport yarns are pretty close in weight and gauge:
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system

I sometimes run into this problem with raglan shoulder shaping. You may be able to convert the rows to inches and work the shaping by paying attention to the length measurement.

#3

I bought the pattern here: https://grumperina.com/knitblog/archives/2015/01/a-hat-for-the-tiniest-bunnies.htm, which has a couple photos. (I believe its ok to post the link to her page as long as I’m not posting/sharing the copyrighted pattern itself…?)

You can clearly see in the pics how there are fairly aggressive decreases at the sides and at the back.

I like your idea. Just have to do the math, but it doesn’t sound too daunting.

#4

That’s an adorable pattern and the link is the perfect way to post. Enjoy knitting this darling hat.

#5

Thanks! :slight_smile:
I thought it just looked too cute NOT to knit…

#6

Our grandson, who’s now ten, was a preemie. I sat down and made ten preemie hats instantly, each different. The one the nurse said would be the most useful – K2, P2. Dull and I can understand why.