Help A Gauge-Impaired Crocheter Out!

I just joined. Ive started to crochet again after a few successes with scarves and shawls. I'm hooked as they say.

After making Doris Chan's Abydos Vest I realized that it was just too big round the neck-line and arms which threw the whole thing off. So I started again, and it was still too big, even though I tightened up my crochet.

I'm wondering if I need to alter the size of my foundation chains, or change to a much smaller hook or both. Or maybe learn to knit haha

Can anyone help me??

Thanks, Michele

Tatyana

Hi, and welcome!

I frequently encounter gauge problems, as I never end up using a recommended yarn with a pattern. I usually start with using a different sized-hook - I've used up to 4 sizes smaller than what the pattern calls for, if I'm ending up with a waaaay to big fabric. You can also get brave and go ahead and do less stitches. Usually this works even with lace repeat pattern, as long as you make a mathematically-compatible no. of stiches; eg. if you're pattern tells you to make a stitch, skip 2, repeat, then make sure that your number of foundation chains is divisible by 3.

Your other option is to use a different yarn, something finer to get a smaller size.

Keep up with crochet! It's faster than knitting!

Thanks Tatyana- what a beautiful name.

I'll try a much smaller hook and I guess I'll really have to check the gauge- something I haven't had to do with scarves and shawls.

After my vest fiasco, I started Doris Chan's Chrysanthemum Tea Shawl and this is working out well. I'll take a picture and post it when I'm done.

Thanks again- you've given me courage to start yet again!

Doris Chan usually uses a foundation row instead of a foundation chain. I love the technique, but I've found it is usually too long, so I do the foundation row with a hook a couple of sizes smaller than called for, then switch to the recommended size for the rest of the work.

Yes, make a gauge swatch, too.

Yes, the foundation row is what's messing me up. This is good advice. I'll give it a try. Thanks Pauline