BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Knitting using different thickness yarn than suggested how?

I have a sweater pattern that calls for tension of 24 sts and 32 rows to 10 cm (4in) over st st US 9 needles. The yarn I'd like to use states 18 sts= 10 cm (4 in) on 5.50mm (US 9)needles. Is there a way to adapt the yarn to this pattern...perhaps a calculation or just make a smaller size sweater?

I'm sure there is, but you should really do a nice size swatch to make sure your "fabric" is going to look good first. Some yarns drape better than others. While one yarn will be very drapey and elegant, another could look like a potato sack. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Good luck, and I'm sure someone could point you in the direction of a gauge calculator or something.

I completely agree with the swatch. Is there a pattern involved? Do the swatch in pattern, first in the needle size they suggest, and then try a size (or two) smaller, to see how close you can get to the gauge they're asking for. Then, based on what gauge you're getting, we can help you figure out how to adjust the pattern to the yarn you like. So why don't you mess with the gauge for awhile, and then write back in with your actual gauge? We'll be looking for you!

In Debbie Stoller's book 'Stitch & [censored] Nation', she really explains not only HOW to read a pattern, but that upon understanding, how to modify it the way you want.

If you think you've already got the understanding a pattern part figured out, then, on page 10 of the book, she has a chapter called 'Gauge of Reason - replacing one yarn with another of the same gauge' and on page 13, she has a chapter called 'Gauging a Reaction - knitting a pattern using a different gauge yarn'.

I highly recommend just getting the book yourself, and using it. She has some pretty neat ideas, and helpful hints, that it's well worth the $$.

I'm not in any way affiliated with her or the book - I'm just a new knitter, with no one to teach me anything, so I use her book alot !!

Good luck, and let us know if you ever figure it out.

April

It's so nice that you're teaching yourself. I learned knit stitch purl stitch from someone, and that's about it. Everything else came from books since most of my "learning" was pre-internet. Keep up the good work!:)