In search of a mind numbing project, in times of stress (Covid19 in this case) set me to exploring this yarn – but the stitches did not spark joy. Swatches are experiments before launching into a project and this one taught me that the project would not be pleasurable as the stitches were too uneven.
there’s a subtle difference in the stitches, but, to my surprise, my fingers flew through the smaller rows in smooth rhythm. This would sooth the soul.
And the difference?
A simple change of needle size from a 3.25 mm needle to a 2.75 mm needle.
My fingers told me that the feel of the fabric was still luscious (too tight a gauge would feel hard) . Like Goldilocks and the three Bears, too big, too small, just right. Never hesitate to try a different sized needle.
I like to record my needle size in my swatches as I make them – 3 Yarn Overs and 1 purl bump for a 3.25 mm needle which I used on the bottom 2 inches of 4×4 ribbing & 1 inch of stocking stitch.
I could’t bare to knit more as I just did not like the feel of those distorted stitches, so you can see I quickly changed to the smaller needle. Here you can see the 2 Yarn Overs & 3 purl stitches where I changed to 2.75 mm needles. You can also see that the swatch got narrower.
The top section is where I experimented with a Knit 1, Slip 1 pseudo ribbing. I thought this might be useful in the shoulder area as the stitch makes the fabric thicker there, trapping extra air into the garment.
This has three advantages, practical and aesthetic. On the practical side it adds extra warmth over the shoulder (arthritic shoulders anyone?).
It also draws the shoulder area in so that fewer decreases may be necessary. This is helpful if the wearer has a large bust where stitches need to be decreased from the bust level to the shoulder width. It acts as a bit of subtle gathering. It doesn’t have to, but it’s a useful technique to keep in mind.
The third advantage is that a stitch pattern (this or any other) at the shoulder can be a distraction that it draws the attention up towards the face (and away from less desirable areas of the body).
Whether this will become a garment, only time will tell.
Details: the yarn is Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine with a recommended needle size of 3mm. The yarn contents are: 50% Peruvian Wool, 30% nylon and 22% /super fine Alpaca. The lovely emerald green colour is # 12186
My gauge on 3.25 mm needles was 28 st over 4 inches
My gauge over 2.75 mm needles was 31 sts over 4 inches
Over a 40 inch bust (or hip) 280 sts would be needed on 3.25 mm needles – on 2.75 mm needles 310 sts would be needed.
That’s a difference of 30 sts. Check your gauge often or your garment could be an inch too large or an inch too small over a critical area.
Happy Knitting.
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