I found several patterns that I like but they call for DK weight yarn. I have some Encore medium weight yarn that I would like to use. What kind of problems would this create?
Would it be OK to use a #4 yarn instead of a #3 yarn if I can get the gauge correct?
Thanks! :knitting:
It is alright as long as you have the gauge. I use differernt yarn ALL the time and it still turns out the same with the other yarn. No differnence at all! Just make sure the gauge is right and your good to go!
Rosegirl147 :knitting:
“All’s fair in love and war.” from John Lyly’s ‘Euphues’
if the gauge is right you have made most of the step. Now the look has to be right, too. But that will have been your first concern. 
Now my only question is: will it fit the same? Well, if the stuff you make becomes less stretchy then it might not. Or if it became more stretchy and starts hanging.
I just had the strange problem of knitting a jacket with some very different sting. The fit is perfect but it is VERY light. Now the jacket became relatively fluffy which is a funny effect with the Norvegian style it has. Just had to get used to it - and if you concider all those point… or just some of them:
the main concern is the size and then happy knitting.
My way to go about it is to either recalculate the whole pattern to my gauge (least favorite) or to use different needle sizes. Those can do amazing differences.
Or to knit a different size instruction than what I come out with. (means the stitch count of size S but the inches of size M for example, if my knitting is bigger than the instruction.
And, never mind: if it doesn’t come out as you want it: rip it out!
I just frequently measure the width and size on my first piece to know, if I am going terribly wrong.
Just do it, have fun! Learn something new!
What is the pattern? If it’s a scarf it doesn’t matter really, but if it’s a garment then gauge is the most important thing. Do a swatch and see how you like the fabric. Sometimes knitting to gauge with a heavier yarn and the smaller needle necessary to get gauge can make the fabric too dense, kind of stiff and less drapey. If you like it and you get gauge go for it.
Thank you so much for all the great advice.
The pattern is a sweater. I think if I had more experience I would try to do this but given the fact that I am a beginner this is probably not the way to go. I think I will look for a pattern using the #4 yarn. Think I would rather be safe than sorry! Thank heavens for this forum otherwise who knows what kind of trouble I could get into!
I could suggest you could knit a smaller size of the pattern with larger needles after you figure out how many sts per inch you get with your yarn. Mulitply the sts times how many inches you want it and find the size that has close to than number of sts and use it. But if you’d rather not convert it, that’s fine too.