I need help! I am an ok knitter and can understand the basics of reading a pattern. I am just about to start a new project knitting a baby jumper (Hayfield 4402).
I have a problem understanding the tension. The pattern says “pattern panel 24sts measures 14cm (5.5in) on 6.5mm needles and 14 sts and 19 rows to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch on 6.5mm needles or the size required to give correct tension”
So I don’t understand! Is the tension square 24 sts or 14 sts??
Any help gratefully received!
a picture attached, in case anybody’s interested in the possible looks… 
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i think it’s 2 different things… a gauge swatch for the pattern, and a separate gauge swatch for the stockinette. because we all knit at different tensions, including between plain stitches and pattern stitches, you may need to go up or down a size in needles on one of those, to make sure they’re at the correct gauge… that’s my take on it, anyway… i know others can/will chime in if they’ve got a different take.
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Welcome to KH. You’ll need to measure for gauge/tension on stockinette. If you get gauge in stockinette then the pattern panel should be pretty darned close to the measurement given for it. I would cast on about 30 stitches and work about 5 inches in stockinette. I would then measure in the middle to get stitch and row counts, edge stitches may be tighter than center stitches. As Xtopher said, you may need different size needles. HTH
Morning all!
Thanks for the responses. That actually makes sense that they are indicating a gauge swatch for the pattern and one for the stockinette stitch. I will do as you suggest Grumpy Grandma!
Thanks both - really appreciate the help!
Purplekoala xx