BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Knitting pattern calls for #4 but my yarn is #3

I want to use design #9 Ariel by Warren Ageefrom Knit'n Style June 2010 but the yarn I like is Caron Spa a #3 weight and the directions list a #4 weight. I don't want to use such a big needle that I lose the density of the fabric. Is there a formula that I can use to change the number of stitches? Or should I choose to knit a different size?

Hi, Have you checked out this article? Quite frequently the yarn shop that you purchase the yarn from will help you adjust the pattern, it is so hard to do online. I would knit a large swatch in the yarn of your choice and make sure you like the way the pattern looks, and take that to a local expert. It is a lot of math and the article above tries to help with that.

I'm so sorry I can't be more helpful.

Thanks. I'll try that. Meanwhile, I've found another design I'll try with this yarn.