Gauge For "Saturn Sweater" -- Help Please

droppedstitches wrote

on Oct 8, 2012 9:11 AM

I'm in the UK and just bought "Interweave Crochet Fall 2012" as I fell in love with the gorgeous cardigan featured on the front cover.

It seems a fairly straightforward pattern but I just can't get the gauge/tension of 14sts x 11 rows over hdc using a 5mm hook. I@

I have tried various sized hooks from 4.5mm to 6mm and nothing works. Could it be the yarn I'm using or is it me ??

The pattern uses what I would class as a lightweight dk and I'm using a standard UK dk...would this make much difference ?

Should I work out my size using the gauge/tension I get with the 5mm hook which is 20sts x 12 rows 

I'd be so grateful for any advice as I'm wanting to start this cardigan asap.

Many thanks

onecraftycathy wrote

on Oct 10, 2012 9:12 AM

You're on the right track so don't give up testing your gauge.  Working a 4 inch square to test your gauge is so important but one that many skip because they want to get right into the pattern.  I've done this and regretted it.  I'll start working and measure just to see how close I am.  I'll find that I'm just one stitch off and think that's not a big deal.  But multiply that error by the length or width of the finished piece and it can make a huge difference.  You can end up with something you won't wear because it's too big or small.  My time is too precious to waste all those hours making something only to be totally unhappy with it!  So, keep testing your gauge.  You might have to go down to a much smaller hook to make the yarn fit the gauge you need.  However, you then have to decide if you like the look and feel of a much tighter fabric.  It may very well be that the yarn you chose is just too bulky and you should set it aside for another project.