Gauge Question

[asunlitrose]

I have a simple question about gauges!

I'm using the Tiny Birds pattern for a soaker and it says:

"Gauge: 23 stitches per 4 inches, and 29 rows per 4 inches"

So I casted on 23 stitches and I'm on row 21 right now. I know I'm not finished, but I don't see how it's going to end up being 4" by 4" (which IS what it's supposed to be, correct?).

Right now it's measuring about 4" x 2". I don't see how I'm going to gain 2 more inches in eight rows!

Do I need to move up a size with needles? What does it mean?

[Think of Winter]

The stitch count is much more important than the row count. I haven't made this pattern, but you should be able to go by length rather than no. of rows.

[asunlitrose]

Thanks for the advice!

I asked this question on a yahoo group and I was making my gauge in garter stitch, not stockinette. D'oh!

Are you always supposed to use stockinette for gauge stuff?

[Think of Winter]

I'm on that group, and saw your question answered. If the pattern doesn't specify that it's done "in pattern", then it's stockinette.