Getting Gauge

[Shandeh]

Does it sound ridiculous that I would be using such a big hook for 12 stitches? I mean, as long as I'm getting gauge I guess that's all that matters, but why is my crocheting requiring a hook 4 sizes bigger than recommended?

It doesn't sound ridiculous at all. You are just a tight crocheter. Every one has their own style of doing crochet, so the average hook size is not going to be the right one for every person. It can range several hook sizes up or down.

[Shandeh]

Ok so I ran out and bought a size N (9.0mm) metal hook because I couldn't find an L... low and behold, I hit gauge! Still quite skeptical because of how large of a hook I'm using... here's a pic of the swatch I did, not pulled at all, just pinned into place (onto a pencil square I measured beforehand)
Any feedback would be appreciated...

Looks good! It might be a teeny bit large, but not that bad. Is the swatch easily stretched? If so, the blanket might pull out of shape, and become too large. I wonder how your swatch would turn out with the L hook you already have? Did you take a photo of that?

also, since the ch3 count as the first DC, does this look right (I mean, it's a little "bubbly" at the sides...)

Some people prefer to just do a ch 2 at the beginning of DC rows, to make it look a little straighter. You can try that and see how it looks. If you prefer the look of it, just remember to change the beginning of any DC row to ch 2 instead of ch 3.

[ellafricka]

Looks good! It might be a teeny bit large, but not that bad. Is the swatch easily stretched? If so, the blanket might pull out of shape, and become too large. I wonder how your swatch would turn out with the L hook you already have? Did you take a photo of that?

Well I only had a plastic L which ended up bigger than the metal N... couldn't find a metal L anywhere... might try WalMart as a last resort... Really I think metal L would be best... so interesting that the material of the hook can make a difference... I haven't even started the CAL and already I am learning so much! Thank you

[laurieontheroad]

I am doing the KAL 2012 & received my yarn yesterday (can't believe how quickly it arrived after I ordered it!). I tried a test piece for the gauge and seem to knit 18 stitches in 4.5 inches & 24 rows in 4.5 inches - at least it's square. My question: does this mean my afghan will be bigger than anticipated? should I knit tighter? or change the size of the needles? or just go ahead with what I have?

Try knitting another swatch with smaller needles. That will be an easy way to fix it.

I tried a swatch using US 7 and swatch is still too large, but as I am not comfortable using a smaller needle I will go with these & maybe have a larger afghan. My concern now is running out of yarn but, I'll deal with that when it happens! Can't wait - I have never done anything like this before. Am I the only one knitting the project? seems all the posts are from crocheters.

[joyousday]

Am I the only one knitting the project? seems all the posts are from crocheters.

I am knitting!

[loveyoumummy]

Am I the only one knitting the project? seems all the posts are from crocheters

No, you're not the only one! I'm knitting too. Really looking forward to this, my first time too.

Lisa

[Shandeh]

... Really I think metal L would be best... so interesting that the material of the hook can make a difference...

That is TRUE! I've noticed that if I use a metal hook, or a plastic hook, or a bamboo hook, I will get a slightly different result every time. I don't know why it happens, but there it is!

[Shandeh]

Am I the only one knitting the project? seems all the posts are from crocheters.

You'll find LOTS of knitters in the "KAL" section of the forum.
viewforum.php?f=181

[Tadmouse]

Hello, I am a very tight knitter so after I have done the gauge I am smaller than should be. What size needle should I use and also how will this affect the number of balls of yarn I should purchase? Thanks

[Shandeh]

Hello, I am a very tight knitter so after I have done the gauge I am smaller than should be. What size needle should I use and also how will this affect the number of balls of yarn I should purchase? Thanks

You will need to keep trying larger sized needles until you find the right ones for your gauge. Some people have to go up several sizes larger, but others only need to go up a size or two.

You will not need more yarn if you use a larger needle to get gauge. The only people who need more yarn are the ones who are knitting to a larger size swatch, and staying with it.