guage help needed

[shanetedissac]

I have been a knitter for years now. Just started to try to use guage. Problem is that I don't seem to get it.

My current pattern calls for:

28 stiches, 28 rows to 4"

So what I'm doing (which I think is incorrect) is to cast on 28 stiches, knit 28 rows, then measure. Thinking that after 28 rows I will be at 4". Dosen't happen.

I have read and understand the knitting a square. In the process of making a square now. Once I have that square done. Am I expecting to have 28 stiches span over 4"? 28 rows to 4".

Thanks!

[3_opihi]

You need to knit a bigger square for it to be accurate. I usually knit a 6 by 6 inch square and then measure in the middle. If its calling for 28 stitches to 4 inches I would at leat cast on 35. Then knit for about 35 rows. If you have too many stitches switch to bigger needles, not enough switch to smaller and test your swatch again (I would just unravel the swatch and reuse it)

Hope that makes sense.

[shanetedissac]

Thanks! OK, I understand now to cast on more stiches than the guage says. When I'm done, should I have 28 stiches across to equal 4" and 28 stiches vertical to equal 4"?

[3_opihi]

Yep, thats right. You will still have more stitches than that in the swatch, but as long as 28 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches you know you got it right

[shanetedissac]

Thanks.

To continue. I have done a few swatches with the needle size and different yarn.

On one, for example, it measures 4" across but only 2" vertical. What do I do now to try to get guage? Bigger yarn/needle would help with the vertical but make the across too big. See my confusion?

Do I need to have a 4" square?

[3_opihi]

Yes, you need to have a 4 inch square (but really 6 by 6) Try knitting up 6 by 6 inches, then measure 4 by 4 inches within it to see how many stitches you get.

Does that make sense. If you still don't have enough stitches, try again using smaller needles. Also, if you are knittng in the round make sure you test your swatch in the round.

Hope that helps. I'm having gauge probs too right now, so anybody else feel free to chime in here!