Knitting gauge question

[USAmma]

I'm attempting my first sweater, one for my dd. I'm having problems with gauge. The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, size 9 needles, 16 stitches for four inches. I spent a lot of time yesterday making swatches. I tend to knit tightly so I knew the size 9's probably would be too small. I went up to 10's and then to 11's. At 11 I was almost at gauge but then there was too much space between stitches. It was starting to look like lacework.

What advice do you have? I'm thinking about just trying to make a size bigger using the size 9's or 10's. But then, it's a big chance to take.

[MsElle07]

You need to use thicker yarn. It sounds like the pattern uses a heavier worsted weight -- 4 stitches per inch is actually more like an Aran, bordering on chunky, weight yarn.

If you're wedded to the yarn, you need a different pattern.

[USAmma]

Originally Posted by MsElle07

You need to use thicker yarn. It sounds like the pattern uses a heavier worsted weight -- 4 stitches per inch is actually more like an Aran, bordering on chunky, weight yarn.

If you're wedded to the yarn, you need a different pattern.

That's what I was thinking, too. . . Anyway, I made a bigger swatch and that time, with just one size bigger, I made the gauge! I also measured across all four inches, whereas before I was being lazy and just measuring one ince. I concentrated on holding the yarn looser, too. The reason I knew this yarn would work is the person at the yarn shop showed me a sweater she knit for her son with the exact same pattern and yarn. That's what I was so baffled about-- why did it work for her but not for me? I thought I couldn't fail if I bought the same yarn and the same pattern, KWIN? I'm not used to doing swatches yet but I'm learning. I hope this things works out! The good thing is if I knit it too big my dd1 can grow into it, and if it's too small my dd two can grow into it instead.

[flapjack]

Whoa, stop a minute. You need to take all of your swatches, wash them and then very gently block them. Yarn will bloom when you wash it and look all plump and luscious, and your gauge may get bigger or smaller.

[Juvysen]

Originally Posted by flapjack

Whoa, stop a minute. You need to take all of your swatches, wash them and then very gently block them. Yarn will bloom when you wash it and look all plump and luscious, and your gauge may get bigger or smaller.

:

Also, I used a yarn once for a hat for my mom and didn't swatch (wasn't sure I'd have enough) and after she wore it it SHRUNK! it looked like a little cap when it should have looked like a hat. Just something to think about. I've also heard of people getting through entire sweaters, having them look WONDERFUL then finally after washing them the gauge changes and they come out HUUUUUUUGE.

It's worth the wash.

[USAmma]

Are you kidding me? Boy I have a lot to learn, don't I? I have already knit several rows of the sweater. Does it make a difference that it's 80% acrylic and 20% wool? It's supposed to be very washable.I can totally see how it would matter to wash it for more natural fibers though. I never would have thought of it before-- but it makes sense as to why my mostly wool socks shrunk.

I think I'm going to use another ball of yarn to make yet another swatch (I undid the first one) and wash it. Ugh. Well better now than after the whole sweater is finished, right?

[flapjack]

If you're confident, go ahead. Generally, though, if I'm adjusting needle sizes then I know that I need to wash my swatches. If, you know, I actually bother to do them, which doesn't always happen, but if you're going to take the trouble to swatch you might as well do it properly, kwim?