[Perogi]

I'm still plodding away at my first soaker using worsted weight and size 10 needles. Next time around could I use a larger needle to help the process speed up a little bit? What size could I use that would still be functional and not make stitches that are too loose for a soaker?<br>
Also, does the yarn have to be worsted weight? I have some sport weight that is absolutely beautiful and my grandmother has a pattern for some very pretty shorties with lace looking cuffs that I'd love for her to try. Will a lighter yarn like that still work?

 

[gottaknit]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Perogi</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm still plodding away at my first soaker using worsted weight and size 10 needles. Next time around could I use a larger needle to help the process speed up a little bit? What size could I use that would still be functional and not make stitches that are too loose for a soaker?<br>
Also, does the yarn have to be worsted weight? I have some sport weight that is absolutely beautiful and my grandmother has a pattern for some very pretty shorties with lace looking cuffs that I'd love for her to try. Will a lighter yarn like that still work?</div>
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It's all about gauge and the density of the finished fabric. You can use lighter weight yarn, but you have to go waaaaay down in needle size (from a 10), unless you want an "airy" look. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"> I'm surprised you're using size 10 needles with worsted weight yarn. I just finished a pair using size 5 needles. Are you a tense knitter? My knitting was really tight when I started, and now I have to keep going down in needle size as it gets looser. Good luck! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
BTW, which pattern are you using?

 

[lifetapestry]

You will really be surprised at how much faster your second soaker goes, and I get faster all the time. In general I think that soakers look and work much better when you use the recommended needles for your yarn type (btw I use size 8 for worsted weight yarn). A better option than sizing needles up is to size yarn up-- use bulky weight yarn (fabric connection has some good ones).<br><br>
But, yes, you can use sport weight yarn. Depending on the kind of wool, it may not be dense enough to stand up to a heavy wetter, but that would only mean that you'd use them during the day.<br><br>
Karla

 

[Perogi]

I think we are having some sizing confusion....<br>
I am using US size 3, metric size 3.25, Canadian size 10.<br>
So by the sounds of it I can size up a bit next time!

 

[scrappinmomof3]

I use 7s (US) with my worsted weight.

 

[pamelamama]

OH, heehee I was picturing this soaker with some HUGE stitches <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"><br><br>
I think y've got some good suggestions here. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[pageta]

The gauge is typically somewhere around 5 to 5.5 stitches per inch. I need US size 7 in order to get somewhere in there with worsted weight yarn. I was using US size 6 and getting 6 stitches per inch so I understand how you feel. It went so much faster when I got those size 7 needles.

 

[gottaknit]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Perogi</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I think we are having some sizing confusion....<br>
I am using US size 3, metric size 3.25, Canadian size 10.<br>
So by the sounds of it I can size up a bit next time!</div>
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<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/duh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="duh"> I didn't even know Canadians had different sizes! :LOL Silly American...

 

[Kristeen]

I didn't know Canadians had different sizes either! All my needles are in metric &/or US size. And my needle sizer thingy only has metric and US too...

 

[puddingpop]

I use 3mm needles (loving my Addi bamboo circs!) and get 7 sts per inch -- I can only think in metric for needle sizes! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">