Can anyone advise? I’ve done 3 tension swatches starting with the stitch and row count on the pattern, which is also the same as the yarn 4mn needles. This was too small, so I tried 5mm and this was too big. So then tried 4.5mm and the vertical was spot on, but the horizontal is a little smaller. Is this a problem? I don’t have needles of sizes inbetween these 3 sizes.
What is the name of your pattern and designer?
Usually stitch gauge is more important but that can depend on the pattern. Often a pattern will give inches to knit rather than row numbers although even row numbers can be converted to a length measurement.
Are you measuring over the middle 4 inches of the swatch? Edge sts shouldn’t be counted as they are smaller than sts mid-swatch. It’s better to work a swatch larger than 4 inches for that reason.
Whether being off a bit is a problem depends on the pattern. If the pattern comes in sizes, you may be able to knit a larger size and still get the overall dimensions you need.
Hi. It’s a King Cole pattern. I’ve been trying to measure edge to edge, which sounds like it’s a problem. The pattern has different stitch counts depending on size and the size for me is between two (45"), so am going to use slightly larger size (46") rather than slightly smaller (44")
Try also measuring over the middle 2 inches of your swatches if you can. Then double that number and see how close you come to the pattern gauge.
(It’s ok to give us a pattern name and designer or to link to the pattern on Ravelry or another site.)
Genius! Measuring the middle 2” gives me 11 stitches, so doubling will be the required 22 stitches. Cheers
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It sounds like you’re on track with your gauge swatch now.
Is it a sweater you’re making?
The larger the swatch the better, i often find with the weight of the knitted fabric hanging down (rather than flat) the row gauge changes so larger swatches, measuring with the piece hanging and checking as you make the larger sections of the project can be helpful.
Oh, that’s the best news. Have fun with the project!