Tension!

[unfrozncavegrl]

I am working on a swatch and have found that no matter what needle size I use I still get 4 stiches per inch. I need 4.5-5. How can this be!?! I started with size 7 Addi circs and have gone down to a 6, 5, and 4.

I tried winding the yarn an extra time around my pinky and even my forefinger to no avail. I thought maybe it was the Addis, since they are metal and slicker then wood. Wood circs did not make a difference.:

Does anyone have any advice? I really want to start knitting some sweet stuff for my baby due in July!

[Think of Winter]

How big is your swatch? If it's too small, you may be estimating your gauge with a lot of error in it. What weight of yarn are you using? There might be a needle size at which you really can't get many more stitches with any given yarn (I'm thinking for example, if you're knitting with bulky or chunky yarn.)

[unfrozncavegrl]

My swatch is about 4x4. My yarn is worsted weight.

I just did some googling and found that pulling on the yarn with each stitch helps. I am mostly self-taught and feel like I probably do not knit all that properly.

[Think of Winter]

Your swatch is definitely big enough. If it helps, I get about 19-20 spi with worsted on 8s. Getting an even tension does take time, but your projects don't have to be perfect while you're learning. If you're knitting a little loose, your soaker will be a bit big, and your baby will grow into it. Just have fun knitting.

[unfrozncavegrl]

Is spi stiches per inch? Or do you mean you get 19-20stitches in 4 inches?

The thing that is boggling me is that I keep getting the same amount no matter what needle size I use. Tugging on the yarn brought me up to
4.5/inch, but it is that way no matter which needles I use.

Thanks for reminding me to have fun! I think I will swatch for another day or two and then make this LTK ribbed soaker. I guess I am not so worried about it being to big, but rather it holding in wetness. If I knit loose then I imagine it will not be as effective with soaking!