Knitty Bitz

In order to achieve a finished article that measures the same size as the pattern, you will need to find a yarn that knits to the same gauge. If a pattern does not state the gauge it will probably tell you the weight of the yarn, i.e. 4 ply, double knitting etc. Some yarns will give you both.

• Knowing the weight of the yarn means that you can narrow your search down and go straight those yarns most suitable, i.e. chunky, aran etc.

• Knowing the gauge of the yarn that was originally used in the pattern means that you can look for a yarn that works up to a similar gauge.

Most ball bands give an indication of the number of stitches and rows that the yarn works up to using a certain size needle over 10cms (4ins).

Note: Despite the above steps it is fairly unlikely that you will find a yarn that matches exactly the gauge on the original pattern and you may need to do a few sums to adapt the pattern.

If the ball length does not match you will need to work out the total length of the original yarn required.

• The stated number of balls x original length = total length.

• Divide this number by the substitute length in order to find the number of substitute balls required.

If the tension does not match you will need to make adjustments to the instructions to compensate.

If there is a difference in row tension (measured lengthways) you will need to work more/fewer rows to match the measurements required for the different pieces of the garment.

However, if the stitch tension (measured widthways) does not match, this can prove harder to adjust and you may find it easier to consider another substitute.

It is always a good idea to buy an extra ball of yarn, just in case

Even if you do find a yarn whose gauge matches what you are looking for, when you make your tension square you may not get the same gauge.