I’ve been thinking a lot about gauge lately. I never seem to get it right.
The gauge on a pattern reflects the knitter who designed the project or knit the sample, the number of stitches per inch she was able to get with the yarn and needles she chose.
There are a lot of variables there that make it likely you would get a different gauge. Using a different yarn of the same weight, needles made of a different material, and just being a different person with a different knitting style all play a role in your gauge.
I’m used to using different needles, or even different weights of yarn, or knitting using the directions for a different size because with my gauge that number of stitches will work for me.
But when it comes to projects that don’t require an exact gauge, it gets even more personal. When knitting scarves or shawls or anything you’re designing yourself for yourself, the gauge listed in the pattern or on the ball band doesn’t really matter.
Yesterday I started work on a scarf (pattern coming soon) with yarn the ball band suggested should be knit on size 11 US knitting needles.
I tried that, but the resulting fabric stuck straight out from the needle, with no drape at all. I wish I’d taken a picture, because it was pretty funny.
I ended up trying four different needle sizes and eventually settled on size 15 — a big difference from what the ball band suggested but what gave me the look and feel I was going for.
The point of this is not once again to tell you to swatch, because you’re probably either a person who does or doesn’t and I’m not going to change your mind.
But I do want you to be open to the beginning stages of a knitting project being an experiment. You’re testing the yarn and needles (and the stitch pattern) to see how well they get along. Everything is subject to change and can easily be switched up if you don’t like the way things are going.
Because if you don’t like it on the needles you won’t want to wear it, use it or gift it, either.
End of lecture.
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