Hi, I’m Bonnie and new here. This looks like a great community. Question: If I find a cardigan pattern to knit and my yarn does not match the gauge, plus I’d like to change it to raglan sleeve, is this book designed to guide me to knit any stitch pattern and shaping for my size? Thank you.
I’d be interested in that reply. I, too, have a few questions about patterns designed for one sized needle,and I want to use another needle size, and a different yarn weight.
Will be watching!
Sorry I cant answer about the Ann Budd book as Ive never had it, im sure someone will help wih that.
Changing gauge in general with different yarn is possible if youre willing to do some calculations and if you understand that the drape and look of the item will be a different result to the pattern pic.
I have, several times, used a lighter yarn than the pattern calls for and either used the same needle size, producing a softer more open fabric. I like this so much i pirposely look for patterns with a heavier yarn than the one I want to use.
Also, a while back i posted a resource which could be helpful… but now i don’t know where it is. It’s a calculator where you input the pattern gauge and your own gauge and it calculates how to alter parts of the pattern. Even though i haven’t used this, it did look good, and it exists. I’ll try to find it, one of the other members might have book marked it or be more organised with their online resources.
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Welcome to the forum!
The Ann Budd book may be just what you need. She covers various sweater designs, different gauges and a range of sizes. It’s available from my public library so it’s worth checking yours. At least you’ll be able to see if it will be helpful.
What is the name of the cardigan pattern and designer? We might be able to find raglan in your gauge and size.
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I have the Ann Budd book and have knit cardigans in stockinette, choosing size, type of neck, sleeve, weight of yarn, etc. My question is about incorporating more gauge-specific stitch patterns such as cable, etc. Will just have to give it a try I guess. Thanks for responding.
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I’d be interested in that resource for calculations. Perhaps someone will have saved that. It’s possible that is what the Ann Budd book is written for-- all patterns child 26"-34", adult 36"-54"! Thanks for commenting. I’m happy to have found this group.
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I found the post
Like i said i haven’t used it myself.
You mentioned cables. Roxanne richardson has a tutorial on adding cables, you do need to increase some stitches (unless its just one or two mock cables) just for the cable to adjust for the gauge difference.
Having trouble posting today.
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Thanks so much for the info. I never seem to match gauge. During covid I ordered different yarns online so want to use these up so I think I’ll now be armed with enough info to do so. Unfortunately, I was enrolled in a gauge class at a knitting/spinning festival and it was cancelled due to not enough signing up!
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Yesterday my posts contained half sentences i couldn’t make it post everything. No matter really, i think you got the gist.
You prob already know this, working as large a swatch as you can really helps calculate gauge. The sweater I’m making measures perfecty when flat on the table, but when hanging with its own weight it stretches and becomes much longer. I’ve decided to continue with the longer length this time BUT to also use this piece as a more accurate gauge measurement and recalculate the same pattern on the new/correct row gauge to remake the same pattern but shorter. No matter how much i try to allow for weight/stretch i never know what it will really be until it’s knitted up into a full size piece.
There are some other nifty looking calculators online, one for calculating set in sleeve and arm scye, a few others i think are for changing size, some for inc/decon basic sleeves. I dont use them but they all look helpful. I tend to just scribble all over my note book!
Let us know how you get on, and we’d love to see swatches and those lovely yarns you bought.
I’m enjoying sharing knitting victories/woes w you. We are actually creating fabric with knitting-- yes, it behaves how it wants to and I try to avoid any surprises at the end. A drop shoulder simplifies to a certain extent, but I have thin arms and don’t need the extra room-- another calculation. I did find a pattern with texture detail called Storm Sweater from Petit Knits. I only knit cardigans, but I really like the stitch detail. I have not knit a top down but plan to start with a child size pullover as a fun exercise. Happy knitting, and thanks for the info.
Are you planning on using the stitch patterns from storm and modifying into a cardigan? It sounds exciting.
Yes. There should not be much gauge change from stockinette. That pullover is beautiful but doesn’t look like a beginner top down pattern! Ha-ha
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