I know, I know, knitting gauge swatches and getting gauge is a drag, but it’s totally worth it for projects that you really want to fit.
There are lots of tips and tricks you can try to get the right gauge, but a simple thing you can try if you aren’t quite getting the gauge you need with the needles the pattern calls for is to try using a needle of a different material.
The Noble Knits blog has a post all about why this can be helpful, which you should definitely check out if you’re having trouble getting gauge.
Incidentally, changing your needle type — switching from wood to metal or vice-versa — can also be helpful if you’re trying to get the right row gauge.
Do you have any tricks for getting gauge that have helped you? I’d love to hear them.
[Photo: Noble Knits.]
I don’t have a tip, but like the tip about using a different needle if your swatch is really close, but not a whole size different. It makes sense the metal might have a smaller gauge.
I actually tested this out back in 2014 and my results were quite an eye opener, the results are here on Ravelry
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/comnurse/gauge-and-needle-types
Don’t think of the swatch as a chore – think of it as a play-date with the yarn (potentially a new friend). Use different sizes and see what makes the best “feeling” fabric.