Archive for May, 2008
May 9th, 2008 at 01:22pm
Under Knitting Questions and How to+ Ask SweaterBabe
Hey SweaterBabe,
I was just wondering. I’m making squares to make a baby blanket. I cast on 50 stitches and I was wondering, would I need to knit 50 rows to make it an even square, or would I need to knit 100 rows?
– Brianna
Dear Brianna,
Neither! Most stitches are not perfectly square, nor are they half as tall as they are wide.
What you are asking is based on your knitting gauge, i.e. how many stitches and rows equal X inches given your knitting tension, the needle size, and the stitch you are using.
For example, a common knitting gauge with medium weight yarn might be 14 sts and 18 rows = 4″. So, to make a 4″ square, you would knit 14 sts and 18 rows.
To make a square with 50 sts, you will have to calculate that 50 sts divided by (14 sts/4″) = approximately 14.25″. To get 14.25″ of rows, you need to knit (18 rows/4″) x 14.25 = approximately 64 rows.
So, measure your knitting gauge (by making a swatch and then measuring it), then you can calculate exactly how many rows will get you the same length as your 50 stitches.
Best,
SweaterBabe
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe
May 9th, 2008 at 01:10pm
Under Knitting Questions and How to+ Crochet Questions and How to+ Ask SweaterBabe
Hi SweaterBabe,
Just wondered when a pattern says to chain in multiples of 8 plus 2, how do you decide how many chains to do? Thanks
– Maya
Dear Maya,
When a pattern says to cast on or chain a multiple of 8 plus 2, it is only explaining how the stitch pattern works. That lace, cable, or whatever stitch pattern works if you have 8 + 2 chains (or stitches), 16 + 2 chains (or stitches), 24 + 2 chains (or stitches), etc.
Keep looking later in the pattern and it should say chain X, X being the very specific number of chains that are needed to make the project in the pattern. If not, then I think there must be a typo!
Happy crocheting and knitting!
SweaterBabe
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe
May 9th, 2008 at 01:04pm
Under Knitting Questions and How to+ Ask SweaterBabe
Hello Sweaterbabe,
When a pattern says, “Knit until the length is so many inches”, do you measure from the stitches on the needle, or only the actual fabric just below?
Thanks, Carolyn
Dear Carolyn,
I believe it doesn’t really matter, as long as you are consistent for the same project. That being said, I always measure from just under the needle. That is how I’ve learned from books and it is easier to do (since what you are measuring is flat).
I don’t think it really matters, especially if you aren’s using the really bulky needles (sizes 15 or more). One row won’t affect the overall length much in these cases. But you do want to make sure that whatever row measures that X” for you is the same row you use for the front vs. the back, the left sleeve vs. the right sleeve, etc.
Also, if you are measuring up to a certain length to bind off, that last row that is on your needles will get “bound off” and often ”used up” in the shoulder seam.
AND, a lot of times a pattern will say, work until body measures X”, ending on a WS row. If you end up just having done a RS row when you measure X”, then you will have to work an extra row to get to the correct side of your knitting anyhow.
Hope that answers it! Just be consistent.
Best,
SweaterBabe
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe