August 5, 2005
Raspy Gauge Investigation
In preparation for an impending trip to the laundromat, I knit up some swatches for Raspy.
Wendy ran into some row gauge issues when she knit this sweater, and since we are both using Elann's Den-m-knit yarn, I took getting gauge seriously. I tried 3 different needles, and knit enough rows on each swatch to check for row gauge. I've never ever checked for row gauge, ever. Denim yarn shrinks 10-15% in length when washed, so in this case it really *does* matter.
The gauge is supposed to be 20sts and 28 rows per 4" square, and suggests size 6 needles.
*Note: the stray purl stitches in the swatches indicate what size needle was used.. 6 purl stitches for the size 6 needle, and 5 for the size 5. For post-laundry identification.
They are, from left to right:
Size 6 Needles, Clover Bamboo Circs
These needles are labeled as 4.25mm, slightly larger than the standard 4mm. I got 21sts and 27 rows per 4 inches.
Size 6 Needles, Boye Needlemaster Metal Circs
I've heard stories of getting different gauges with different types of needles (metal, plastic, bamboo). So I tried these. Row gauge went down to the required 28 rows per 4 inches, and stitch gauge remained the same at 21 sts.
Size 5 Needles, Boye Needlemaster Metal Circs
Just for fun, I figured I'd try out size 5s. I knit somewhat looser, which I like doing, and perplexingly ended up with nearly identical gauge to the size 6 needles above. 21 sts and 28 rows per 4 inches. huh.
All 3 needles ended up with 21 stitches rather than the called-for 20. This could be okay though. The schematic indicates the finished size small sweater is 38", way large for this skinny runner. A tighter stitch gauge means a smaller sweater..okay by me.
Right now I am thinking I'll go with the size 5s. But the real decision awaits post-shrinkage calculations.
Comments (16)
i admire your patience to swatch. i have never really properly swatched for anything i made to date. bad.
raspy is gonna be lovely. i would love to work with denim yarn one day.
Posted by blossom | August 5, 2005 10:55 AM
Posted on August 5, 2005 10:55
Which swatch has the best-looking fabric? That would be my criterion.
Posted by Colleen | August 5, 2005 10:56 AM
Posted on August 5, 2005 10:56
What great organization. I admire your determination to get it just right. I'm very sloppy with swatches. I start out with the best intentions but don't follow through.
Great idea doing the purl st. thing.
Posted by adele | August 5, 2005 11:25 AM
Posted on August 5, 2005 11:25
I salute you, I don't think I've ever checked for row gauge, ever.
Posted by yahaira | August 5, 2005 11:34 AM
Posted on August 5, 2005 11:34
Hello! I too am knitting the Raspy sweater, and I'm wondering where you came up with 38" for the finished size small? It says the medium is for chest circumfrence of 36". Did I miss something?
Posted by Stefanie | August 5, 2005 12:43 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 12:43
Number of purls = needlesize, brilliant! I'll remember that one. Beats putting knots in the tail as I used to.
Posted by Steph | August 5, 2005 1:37 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 13:37
Your little knitting in what size needles you used, that is brilliant. I'm going to have to try something like that, cause I am a compulsive swatch knitter. I even save them, but then I can't remember what I knit them on, cause I am not compulsive enough to label them.
This is so great you are doing this, row gauge is more important than most people think. Especially for something like this. Raglan sweaters also need accurate row gauge.
And you are right, different brand needles can give you different gauge, because the molds they use to make their needles might be different from another needle makers molds.
Have fun at the laundromat. I can't wait to see what happens.
Posted by Purly Whites | August 5, 2005 1:45 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 13:45
Here's hoping those shrinkage numbers are what you're looking for! That Baby Norgi is absoluely adorable. I am in the same boat as you are, I would not have really considered making it until I clicked on your link to sweetgeorgia - wow - what a cute little sweater. I'll have to reconsider this one...
Posted by Vicki | August 5, 2005 2:38 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 14:38
Yes the purl idea was brillant! But then again I would actually need to start swatching to use that tip.
Posted by Joelene | August 5, 2005 4:20 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 16:20
I love the idea of using the purl stitches for the size needle you're using! I too have so many swatches but no labels for them. This would be a good way to keep track of at least the needle size.
Posted by marichan | August 5, 2005 6:59 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 18:59
I echo the sentiments about the purl stitches and the needle sizes. Brilliant.
Keep us posted about your progress. Even though I used the size 6 needles and my sweater was way too long and I had to cut the sleeves, all is well that ends well. For you smarter people, perhaps you can avoid the cutting-off-the-sleeves portion of the exercise...
Posted by Wendy | August 6, 2005 1:47 AM
Posted on August 6, 2005 01:47
Super smart that, using the purl stitches to mark needle size. Woman, you are FABULOUS!
Posted by Jenny | August 6, 2005 5:48 AM
Posted on August 6, 2005 05:48
I haven't seen Rasby.. I'll need to check it out! I love the color you are using though :)
Posted by Dani | August 6, 2005 7:53 PM
Posted on August 6, 2005 19:53
Brilliant! I can't wait to hear how the post-wash numbers turned out.
Posted by Stephanie | August 8, 2005 11:26 AM
Posted on August 8, 2005 11:26
Good luck with Raspy. I am knitting it now. I am hitting gauge with US6 needles. I did't wash the swatch, but I trust it will shrink the %20 indicated on the ball band. BTW, I am using Rowan's yarn, not the Elann yarn.
Posted by D R E W | August 9, 2005 9:44 PM
Posted on August 9, 2005 21:44
You're BRILLIANT! I'm a compulsive swatcher (love the swatching, complete with little tags and such) but I've always been stymied by this needle-size-difference-thingie when handling multiple swatches...
I believe you may have single-handedly revolutionized my swatching!
Posted by Kellee | October 3, 2005 9:50 AM
Posted on October 3, 2005 09:50