KNITTING: altering cast on stitches to achieve gauge?

Question

I am knitting a tank top for my niece with Berocco Cotton Tots yarn, which is not what is used in the pattern. I used size 6 needles and got a gauge of too few stitches per inch than what is required. I only have size 5 in circs and the pattern doesn't require circs so I don't want to switch needles. In lieu of changing needles or yarn, is there a way to increase/decrease the number of cast on stitches for the pattern so that it would work out? I know this is a backwards approach but I am not sure if I should add more cast on or omit some. The pattern has a gauge of 20 sts per 4 inches, and I am getting 4 sts per inch, so...too few. THANKS for any help!

Answer 1

Why not knit it on your size 5 circs but knit it flat, meaning turning your work after each row? Just because you're using circular needles doesn't mean you need to knit in the round--I use circular needles for all projects that are knit flat.

Swatch on your #5 needles, measure your swatch, wash and dry it as you will the tank top, then measure again. Quite often guage changes with washing and it's best to know upfront before you invest a lot of time in the project.

To answer your question, it is possible to alter the pattern to compensate for your guage. You'll need to figure out how many fewer (not more) stitches to cast on, and adjust the armhole and neckline shaping, as well as any other shaping your pattern may have. It would be easier to buy the right size straight needles if you're uncomfortable knitting flat on circular needles.

Answer 2

You can do flat work on circs if that's what is concerning you and would make your gauge correct.

Also, is the yarn called for in the pattern 100% cotton? Cotton yarn has some weird qualities to it that you should take into account: it doesn't hold it's shape well (ie it will stretch over time and not go back to the original size) and it doesn't have much give (ie the knitted fabric itself isn't very elasticy when putting on a piece of clothing, it's not like cotton jersey). This may be something to take into account.

If you can't manage to get the correct gauge, most likely (unless it is a very complex stitch pattern across the entire tank top) you would be able to rework the pattern to having less stitches cast on. If this is beyond your abilities (figuring out new decreases, etc), you may want to take it to your LYS (local yarn store). The people working are always helpful and may be able to rework the pattern for you or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Answer 3

To start with, it is not a good thing to try to alter a pattern with changing number of stitches, especially if there is a pattern stitch to the garment. You will have to readjust all through out the pattern and may come out with a lot of work and no reward. Not knowing what kind of yarn you are using, it is best to make sure the gauge is correct before continuing. I have failed at many projects because I didn't. This makes for a lot of wasted time. There is a site that may be helpful. www.bernat.com and then choose their yarn switcher. It may help you to know what size needles you need to use the kind of yarn you chose. Hope this helps you.

Answer 4

My sister figured out a way to alter a pattern by calculating the percent difference between your gauge and the pattern gauge, then multiplying each stitch instruction by the percent to calculate the increase needed. The only problem is that you will need to relocate your increases and decreases to reflect the changes. You might also look at the pattern schematic, if there is one, and calculate the number of stitches necessary to match the shematic.
It is easy to knit flat on circular needles, so you may find that the easiest way to change the gauge.

Answer 5

Use your size 5 needles and swatch. If you still don't get gauge, and you may not, this pattern sounds like it was written for sport or DK weight yarn. You may not get gauge with Cotton Tots. In that case I would look for a pattern written for that yarn rather than this one. If you try to go to smaller needles to get gauge you may not end up with a fabric you like. The pattern can be rewritten to your gauge but you must take into consideration more than the number of stitches that need to be cast on. Your armholes, neckline and shoulder decreases front and back also need to be rewritten to accommodate the smaller number of stitches. This may be more of a task than you are ready to tackle.

Answer 6

Do you like your Berocco Cotton Tots yarn? If you do, just don't pay attention at their recommended needles, gauges and yarns. Do your own calculations. Here is how:

1. Use your yarn, needles you like, pattern you like. Make a swatch. Do you like the way it looks? If you want to have it more dense, take a smaller size of needles. Less dense - a bigger size of needles. Do you like it now? Good!
Calculate your gauge. Here is help how to do it: It doesn't matter whether you have crochet or knitting project. Just follow instruction:
http://www.smart-knit-crocheting.com/beginner-crochet.html

2. Make a small sketch of your tank top with dimensions necessary and calculate number of stitches which you have to use to start the project. This page will explain you how to make calculations. Just use a pattern of your top tank instead.
http://www.smart-knit-crocheting.com/crocheting-basics.html

3. There is one more important moment. If your stitch pattern has big elements on it , you should check how they fit on the top pattern. You need to adjust layout of your stitch pattern to keep it symmetrical about vertical line of symmetry for both front and back parts of the tank top. It is simple. Just sounds complicated. Here is an example how to do it.
http://www.smart-knit-crocheting.com/baby-blanket-knit-pattern.html
Read Step 3 for detail explanation there. Adjustments will make your tank top look neat. If your stitch pattern doesn't have big details on it, you don't have to make any adjustments for the pattern layout.


Good luck with your project! Just don't be afraid. Eyes are afraid, but hands do their work. :)
P.S. This is the way I ALWAYS do my knitting and crocheting projects. It has never let me down.