gauge problem

[purlgirl]

I'm knitting a sweater that calls for a 13 sts and 20 rows in 4" on 10 1/2 needles

I used the 10 1/2 needles and knit 14 stiches in 4" and didn't get close to row gauge (15 rows)

so I used size 11 needles and that gave me 12 sts in 4"

both times were with wooden needles because I am the most comfortable using those.

any suggestions on the next step to take.

this is my first sweater and I have heard the size will be completely off (especially since I'm a whole stitch off on each)

[LoriKnits]

Try knitting with a #11 metal needle. That will probably loosen you up the 1/4 stitch per inch that you need. Generally, one needle size will give you that, but apparently that's not working for you.

If the metal needle doesn't make the difference, we'll see what we can do about changing the pattern for you.

[purlgirl]

Thanks

I'm gonna go buy some metal needles tomorrow, keep my fingers crossed, knock on wood, and give that a try

[purlgirl]

ok so I bought the metal needles and last night I did another gauge swatch and thought that I came out at 13 (which is what I need) .. I checked this morning (because the yarn is black and kinda hard to see) and it looks like I'm at 6 1/4 per 2in rather than the needed 6 1/2.

I think I found the problem but I'm not sure if this is it

The yarn I got I asked my yarn shop to pick for me because I was substituting for what was called for in the pattern

The yarn they gave me is 3sts/ inch on US 10 1/2 needles

I looked up online the yarn the pattern calls for and it yeilds 3 - 3 1/2 sts/inch on US10-10 1/2 needles.

So could this be the problem?

Sorry for the long post --this is my first sweater so I'm kinda freakin out about getting the gauge right.

[Jrho]

I feel your pain! I have had a very hard time with meeting gauge and staying on gauge and Lori has been a great help. Never fear, she'll get you on target!

[LoriKnits]

hmmmmmm Sounds like you may have a muscle memory issue.

Here's what I always recommend, and it usually works. But first... Let me also say you're right to freak out about gauge. You definitely want to be on.

Ok, to rid yourself of a muscle memory problem... Pick something up and knit on about a size 2 or 3 for a few inches. Then go back to making a gauge for your sweater. I'll bet it changes.

This is just a suggestion, but I've found it works for the majority of people. Let us know!

If this doesn't work, you may also try going back up to the larger needle again. It's very possible that you're adjusting to the yarn and needles, and therefore your tension is changing.

[cornish cousin]

Just as a further note. I have found through trial and error that needles themselves are not always accurate. I have a modern plastic ruler with holes and sizes in old imperial, metric and American. Also a very old metal guage. If I measure on both eg an old size 11 , a modern 3mm and a bamboo 3mm, they rarely measure the same. I have found that sometimes I need to do DK , which normally calls for 22 stitches to 4" or 10cm, on size 3mm! The lady at my LYS always looks surprised, but to quote Elizabeth Zimmerman, it is better to knit how you feel comfortable, in my case very loose, and change needles, than to try to tighten up.That is not enjoyment!
Yesterday, I wanted to start a chunky knit cardigan, and decided I needed to use 6.5 instead of 8mm. The one size I did not have.To my joy, when I measured 3 pairs of needles,Brittany and Addi, one pair of the addi came out larger than the other 2 pairs size 6mm.So now I am set!
My biggest problem comes when I am knitting 4ply yarn and to be absolutely accurate, I should end up doing the rib in size 14, s imperial.Now that is small!