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Can't get knitting gauge right

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ClicketyClick Sun 11-Jan-26 21:39:39

I've knitted lots over the years and my gauge swatches have always been fine. I'm itching to get started on a new jumper but for the 1st time my gauging is way out. Pattern says 16st x 22 rows in a 4 x 4 inches piece using 5.5mm needles which is giving me a gauge of only 2 inches. I've knitted a few more with smaller needles as says on the pattern and the latest swatch going right down to 3.5mm needles is still only coming out at 3 inches and is making the Swatch quite firm - too firm for the jumper style so can't go down any more. I'm using the right Aran yarn for the pattern. Now at a complete loss as Google searches conflict with some saying to use smaller needles but seen others saying use larger needles which I can't try as I don't have bigger than 5 5mm. As the jumper is being knitted from the neck down I have no room for error. Does any talented knitters out there have any advice please?

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Allira Wed 14-Jan-26 15:27:57

ClicketyClick

I've since realised that I was knitting with 2 differing size needles at the same time so assume this had something to do with it. How on earth that happened I do not know. Either I was having another one of my granny moments, a gremlin has caused mischief in my needle bag or should have gone to Specsavers! After a wasted trip to town for a 6mm. I have the right gauge using the right 5.5mm needles. Thank you again all for your help and advice and sorry that I've wasted your time. I must be getting old!

😁
Glad to help but I admit to being puzzled.

I went to the optician today, and feel as if I've been put through the wringer!
Perhaps a magnifying glass to read the tiny numbers on the knitting needles might help 😀

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Allira Wed 14-Jan-26 15:29:15

Ps I just had to undo a few rows of crochet as I ended up with 149 stitches instead of 132. It happens.

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MaizieD Wed 14-Jan-26 16:57:25

No need to apologise, ClicketyClick, it’s been fascinating. I haven’t done any knitting for decades, I used to enjoy it but I don’t watch enough television any more…

I was so baffled by this gauge problem that I just had to stay with the thread to find what caused it😆

(I used to love doing aran knitting, it was so satisfying seeing the pattern develop)

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Allira Wed 14-Jan-26 17:05:28

My mother was the Aran knitting expert.

I've only progressed as far as cabling, bobbles, diamonds but not all in one garment.

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granshe Sun 18-Jan-26 13:57:17

Aran gauge is 17 stitches to 4inches. DK is 21 sts.

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Romola Sun 18-Jan-26 15:01:25

And 4-ply is 28 stitches

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