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Can't get knitting gauge right

(31 Posts)
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NotSpaghetti Mon 12-Jan-26 00:55:21

Are you using the correct yarn?

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Doodledog Sun 11-Jan-26 23:06:49

I’m here, but confuddled 😀

As you say, it’s most unusual for tension to be out as much as that, and the size of a swatch should increase with the size of the needle.

22 rows giving 2 inches of knitting using Aran weight yarn? Are you sure, OP?

All I can suggest is that if all else fails have you someone who would knit the swatch from scratch for you? If so you could give her the yarn and recommended needles and see what happens- that way if you are doing something you don’t realise you’re doing it will come out in the wash.

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Allira Sun 11-Jan-26 22:48:01

Where are the experienced knitters when you need them?

Purplepixie, Doodledog, Chocolatelovinggran, karmalady - anyone?

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Allira Sun 11-Jan-26 22:33:34

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
I don't understand why the swatch knitted on 3.5mm needles is larger than the one knitted on 5.5mm needles.

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Allira Sun 11-Jan-26 22:17:18

16st x 22 rows of Aran yarn on 5.5mm needles should give a swatch of 4" x 4" or 10cms x 10cms.

If yours is only 2" x 2" or 5cms x 5cms that is only half the size, not slightly out, which seems odd.

Smaller needles should mean the swatch is smaller, not larger 🤔

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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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