knitting patterns

I will finish the one from the charity website which looks as if it should go on a scarecrow (arms straight out!) then have a go.

I haven't actually done a top down one either rosequartz! But I know friends who have and they say they're very easy. Hope it works out for you.

AshTree that looks a nice pattern, thank you. It has a bit more shape. I've never made a 'top down' one before, but there's a first time for everything!

I haven't tried that (yet?) Nelliemoser, I tend to choose the yarn first then look at what patterns I have, mainly for DGS
So far it all seems to work, maybe sheer luck?

Etheltbags look at what the pattern suggests for the reccomended tension square
www.yarnfwd.com/main/tension.html

You can find out what gauge the yarn is by doing wraps per inch.
handknitter.co.uk/yarn_guage_wraps_per_inch.html

Loopylou you sound like a woman in our knitting group who just knits approximately to the pattern she is using and combines all sorts of different colours and thickness of yarn and adapts the pattern as she is going along.

Have you thought about a 'top-down' pattern rosequartz? Here's a pattern from Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/samwise-bellissimo

I just had a look at that site, MargaretX, it looks very good. Thank you for the link.

Don't they all look so cute in their hand knits!

Even double knit yarn varies so much, you would think it would be consistent.
I have also used 8 ply which was supposed to be the same as double knit but seems quite a lot thicker.

I have been searching for a very simple children's sweater pattern to knit for charity - I am not keen on the one that is on all the charity sites where body and sleeves are knitted all in one, but I would like one where the sleeves are picked up and knitted downwards and shaped (just because I don't enjoy sewing up). I suppose I could sit and re-write a simple pattern
(I think I may have asked this before but have forgotten the answer.)

I look at what seems to be double knit or a bit finer. I then do a tension 10x10cms and compare it with what they advise. I use DROPS.com they have hundreds of patterns - all free- and I print a few out and then decide. They have dozens of hats and DD2 has done several which all brought compliments at the school gate or kindergarten.
My favourite are dead easy thick knit bedsocks which my GDDs use as slippers as well, in the house .Modell Nr. ee-513

I made up my own database of chunky yarns, listing ball weight, yarn length, no. of stitches/rows to 20cm square, recommended needle size. Really useful for reference. My next project will be DK yarns. Obviously got far too much time on my hands

A net search found this similar list - could be useful.

https://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?equivalents=1

I used to have a very useful article from a magzine with a list of all the available yarns and which ones were compatable with one another's patterns (iyswim) I have no idea where it is now, and those brands are probably no longer on the market, but there must be a more up-to-date version somewhere out there.

Here's a link to free cardigan patterns on Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#craft=knitting&page=1&weight=dk&availability=free&view=captioned_thumbs&fit=female%2Badult&pa=worked-flat&sort=best&pc=cardigan

Ravelry is a great resource, as aggie has already mentioned. Also, you could try Etsy, where there are lots of people selling vintage patterns which are downloadable - https://www.etsy.com/uk/search/vintage?q=womens+knitting+patterns

Oh, aggie already said that about the tension swatch, I must learn to read all the posts ....

There are a lot of free patterns on the internet, I think Patons have a site as well.

You could knit a little tension swatch and test the tension - eg 22 stitches and 28 rows to a 4" x 4" square in dk
(don't take my word for that as being correct, that's just off the top of my head, see what tension the pattern says.)

I am knitting a jacket for DGD and the annoying patterns go in ages 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-7 years
I want to knit one for 3-4 years!!

The man in the woolshop recommended using needles 0.5mm larger and checking the tension.

I have used some very old patterns with modern yarns and they seem to be fine.

Your wool shop will know what is compatible. It is important that you know the length of the yarn recommended and get the appropriate amount of your chosen yarn.

You might find something suitable in a charity shop. They often have knitting patterns, some old fashioned, some modern. An old fashioned basic pattern in a modern colour could be the answer.

Bamboozle is a DK yarn containing bamboo, I think.
Try as aggie says, probably the best way to find out

Have you joined Ravelry ? lots of help there

do a tension swatch with your yarn and see if it fits the tension suggested

the thing is loopy that I don't know if a pattern is for double knit or something else unless I can tell by the picture, obviously an arran picture requires arran yarn etc. So how do I know ?

I don't generally take any notice of the make of yarn, just use any DK wool and a pattern that I like. It hasn't caused any problems over the years. If the yarn's bobbly or anything other than plain DK then I would use the recommended pattern.
Good luck ethelbags.