Hello, I am relatively new knitter and on my second sweater (a successful first one!) but having trouble with the tension square.
The pattern is a 1967 Patrons Promise pattern and I have the suggested wool. The instructions for tension gauge say:
On 5 MM. kneedles, 17 sets and 24 rows to 10cm (patt).
I am assuming I knit this in the main pattern, the only trouble is the pattern is kind of lacey, with holes knitted in (if that makes sense), so I cant count the stitches properly because of all the holes!
Hi from what i know if you do a tension square in stocking stitch and it equals the tension recommended, then it will be ok.
Even lace pushes and pulls back to “normal” tension.
I think this is right because even older people like me would have a much harder time adjusting tension for every stitch.
I have to adjust my tension but I change colours a lot but the original designer states that you have to be careful, I have never seen a lace pattern stating to be careful of your tension.
Patons produce yarn and their own patterns (I did 2 dinosaurs years ago in double yarn and double needle size and they worked out great) my niece used to love to ride them
Welcome to KH!
Cast on more than 17 stitches, some number that will give you multiples of the stitch pattern repeat. Knit in pattern for about 4 inches. Then I use long pins or thin double pointed needles to mark off 4 inches across the middle of the tension square. Follow those marks up to the needle and count the loops over the needle. It’ll give you a fairly good idea of the sts/4 inches.
As lace monitor mentioned, this isn’t an exact science. You’ll be close enough.