What size knitting needles should I use to knit 2 strands if the suggested size for 1 strand is 10 (6mm)?

Question

Thank you for any advice =)

I am planning to use Bernat Soft Boucle to make a scarf. The label says "chunky," but it seems so thin to me. I don't have a lot of time to work on it (it's a gift), so that's why I was thinking of doubling it.

Thanks again!

Answer 1

Use a different, non-boucle yarn for the second strand (two strands of boucle may be difficult to work with if you want to, on a size 13 needle. You probably should not use a second strand of chunky yarn, though, use a worsted or DK weight or it may be too thick for comfort. One reason that it may call for only one strand of boucle is because the way that boucle is spun traps a lot of air that tends to make the garment warmer than you might think it will be, btw. For a second yarn, use a matching or coordinating color, even a ribbon yarn will work, just don't use another fuzzy or loopy yarn, because the textures will fight with one another and detract from the overall look rather than compliment it.

Answer 2

With your two strands of boucle & large needles (say, for example, US #13), cast on approximately 20 stitches (depending on the repeat of your chosen stitch pattern) and knit for approximately four inches, or until you can tell if you like the drape of the fabric (meaning the way the scarf feels). If you want it lacier, go up on the needle size. If it's too floppy, go down. It's just a matter of trial & error -- and personal preference.

If you're working from a scarf pattern, you'll probably need to reduce the number of stitches you cast on. Count the number of stitches in one inch of your final gauge swatch and multiply by the number of inches in the finished scarf. (Adjust the number if needed to fit the stitch pattern.)

Answer 3

To determine this with a regular yarn, use the recommended needle to poke a hole in a piece of postcard-weight cardstock and a crochet hook or bent twisty-tie to pull a loop of the recommended thread through the hole. Note the effort required to pull the loop up.

Poke other holes with available larger needles and repeat the experiment by pulling 2 strands doubled through various holes. When the effort is the same, you have the hole from the equivalent needle size.

Of course this is more conveniently accomplished with a metal needle gage, but everyone doesn't have one of those on hand.

BTW, the previous comment on yarns of varied widths was *very* pertinent.

Answer 4

It depends on the yarn you are using, the guage you are looking for and the drape of the fabric. You could use size 10 needles with 2 stands of worsted weight and get a very tight fabric, good for a jacket or tote. Finer yarns such as Sport Weight or DK will produce different results.

Answer 5

I would probably try going up to an 11 and knit a gauge square. Then again it depends on what you're making.

Usually I go up to the next whole size when I do something like that. But, if I want it really closely woven, I only go up a half size if at all.

Answer 6

i would use a 12mm needles.