Knitting - tension query

Jane2112

Hope this is in the right place!

I have wool (baby DK) and pattern for a baby jacket and the tension states

21 sts and 44 rows to 10 cm over garter st using 4mm needles.

however I have found a nicer pattern which states

18 sts and 24 rows to 10 cm over st st using 5 mm needles

Is it possible to knit the second pattern and how do I go about doing the maths - ( I hate maths ).

Many thanks,

Jane

Penelope_Penguin

Jane2112 wrote: »

Is it possible to knit the second pattern and how do I go about doing the maths

It might be just me, but I don;t understand the question Yes it is possible to knit the second pattern - why do you need maths?

I love sums, btw

Penny. x

Minihauk

Because the second pattern is knitted on bigger needles, the stitches will be looser, therefore you will need fewer stiches and fewer rows to make the same size.
Does that make sense?

mioliere

Using the wool and needles stated in the second pattern, as long as you follow that pattern, you will get the size you want for the finished item. Size 5 needles are bigger than size 4, which is why the number of stitches and rows to 10cm are fewer than stated in the first pattern. What won't work is if you try and follow the second pattern on number 4 needles, or vice versa. Hope this helps!

Jane2112

Thanks for all the replies. I suppose the question was - am I ok to use the baby DK wool for the second pattern?

Penelope_Penguin

Jane2112 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I suppose the question was - am I ok to use the baby DK wool for the second pattern?

If the pattern is intended for DK, then yes What ply wool does it ask for?

Penny. x

valk_scot

There is only one answer to this sort of question...knit a tension square and find out! You should always, ALWAYS knit a tension square when starting a new project, unless you're using a yarn you've knitted with before and know well. Tedious? Waste of time? Well, ripping out an entire garment because it turned out the wring size because you knitted it to the wrong tension is worse.

Having said that, 18 sts x 24rows of ss to a 4" square is the standard tension for aran yarn, so I don't think the second pattern will work for DK yarn without a LOT of fiddling around. Or yes, you could adjust the needle size to give you that tension I suppose but the knitted fabric would probably look very loose and floppy.

Jane2112

Thanks.

DOH!!!! On further reading the second pattern ( in a big book of baby knits) on a seperate page states aran.:mad:

How thick can one person be :rotfl:

Looks like it is pattern number 1 then. All in garter stitch - a bit boring. Will have a look at the free knitting pattern web site.

Cheers,
Jane - off for a lie down in a darkened room.