Math for Knitters – Changing Gauge in a Pattern

There is a pattern you’d like to knit, but you’d like to substitute a thinner or thicker yarn, and/or a different needle size. Can you do it? Here’s how to determine if it’s possible, and how to do the math when it is.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The pattern for the sweater I’m wearing (not my design, in a discontinued cotton yarn) can be found here.

The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

My Barber Pole Cowl, free tutorial and pattern, can be found here.

The blue hat pattern (not my design) can be found here, knit with Shalimar Breathless in color Neptune.

The bamboo pins I use to check gauge can be found here.

The pink yarn I used in my bulky swatch is Cascade 128 Wool.

The double-pointed bamboo needle I use as a pointer is Knitter’s Pride Bamboo.

The nail polish I’m wearing is Julep, color “Maddy”.

3 comments on “Math for Knitters – Changing Gauge in a Pattern

  1. In the video you said not to change the gauge if the pattern has shaping. I was wondering, if the pattern (with shaping) has different sizes, could you follow the pattern for an alternate size? For instance, if the gauge was 8 stitches per inch, but I was using thicker yarn that gave me 6 stitches per inch, could I use the directions for a smaller size? Perhaps a size that measured 1/4 smaller than I really need, since the thicker yarn gave me a 1/4 larger gauge?

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