Stitch patterns that "pull in"

How-to Questions
1

Not sure if I described the problem right.

I have mentioned here before that I am making squares for a sampler blanket. Being a new knitter, I thought it was a good way to learn and experiment.

However, I have knitted two squares that “pull in”. One is a cabled square, and I knew it would pull in, and I [I]still [/I]didn’t allow quite enough stitches across and it’s a little small. Now I am doing one called “slip stitch honeycomb” and it’s pulling in, too. Here’s the link to the pattern: http://www.knittingonthenet.com/stitches/honeycomb.htm

I should have cast on five or six more stitches. It’s mostly wool so I hope blocking will help with the shortfall.

Is there any way to judge if a stitch pattern will do this, or does this just come with experience?

2

It mainly comes with experience. All cable patterns will draw in, but if you knit it in wool, than you can block it to whatever length (within reason) you want. And if it’s over half wool yarn, than you can still block it.

3

Sorry for the delay in answering, especially when yours was so prompt!

It is 80% wool, so I should be able to get it a little bigger.

So now we know: The Slip-stitch Honeycomb stitch pattern draws up, and is kind of boring besides. :mrgreen:

4

Yup, that yarn might as well be considered wool. Block away!