Could Use Some Help With Knitting
By carolbee
@carolbee (16230)
United States
March 23, 2013 12:27pm CST
Need some advice please on how many stitches need to be made per inch. Read on the internet that about 12 stitches cover an inch but then also read an inch is less than 12 stitches. Am confused and could use some advice. So I need to know how many stitches to cast on, using a 10 1/2 size needle? Can use a size 6 if necessary. The width on this project is going to be 40 inches. Really appreciate any help I can get. Have a great weekend.
3 responses
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
23 Mar 13
The only way to know exactly how many stitches per inch is to know the weight of the yarn and the size of the needles. Many more stitches are needed to reach an inch if you are using baby or fingering yarn weight. If it is worsted, less stitches are needed; bulky yarn would mean even less stitches.
Are you using a pattern? Typically, a gauge is included with a pattern. If you don't have a pattern, I would suggest making a test swatch. Put on maybe a multiple of 12, say 24 or 36 stitches and knit until you have enough of the pattern established (about 2 inches long) to be able to measure it. You will know exactly how many stitches you need to make an inch then.
Good luck!
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
24 Mar 13
Thanks so much for your help. I don't have a pattern. Can only make one thing and that is an afghan. Nothing fancy. I am using 10 1/2 needles and the label on the yarn shows it's worsted-medium. I do stitch pretty tight and making it for a twin bed. Have done them before and they turned out great but just can't remember how many stitches I need to cast on. Like the idea of bulk yarn and should try that once I get to a store. Thanks so much for responding.
@honor00 (185)
•
23 Mar 13
Number of stitches per inch is about tension and tension is highly individual. The ideal is 12 stitches per inch. Cast on as instructed in the pattern. How many depends on how wide you need the item, cast on then measure. Use the needles recommended unless your tension is very tight. Don't worry, if it all goes wrong, you can unravel your knitting and start again, re-cycling the wool
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
24 Mar 13
Thanks for your help, honor. I make very basic things and this is going to be for myself so it's ok if I mess up. Like you say, I can start over. Don't have a pattern just pretty much "wing it" when it comes to knitting for myself. Welcome to myLot.
