Prayer Shawls

My mantra is................."Make a swatch....make a swatch..... make a swatch..makeaswatch makeaswatch makeaswatch"

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

ROTFLOL!!! Yeah, yeah, I know....(giggle) Just wondered what others prefer :)

thanks...Linda

I prefer using larger needles myself and have used Homespun on 8mm, though it wasn't a prayer shawl. Do you have a 7mm? You could knit a piece starting out with the 6s for a few inches, use 7s for a few more inches, then the 8s and compare and see which you like better.

sue

I always make swatches BECAUSE....... I usually find that I need to use needles two sizes smaller than the pattern calls for in order to get the correct gauge. By the same token, I have one good friend who needs to use larger needles to get the gauge right! We are all individuals, there is no such thing as an "average" person.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

Yes, so I tell people that they need to try out different sizes to see what looks good for them.

sue

Wisdom of the ages!

The great question is what is the smallest swatch that is useful? Do you do a bunch of tiny swatches to look for hints of where you want to go, or do you start off with larger swatches that will give more accurate pattern information?

Aaron

Most swatches are measured for a 4" x 4" square - and this is generally a good size to measure not only the gauge, but to see how your pattern works up - at least, that's what my daughter says - she's the knitter

:-)

Moon

I've heard it's a good idea to make the swatches 6x6 in order to measure the 4 inches accurately. The side stitches don't measure the same as the ones in the middle.

sue

I understand the concern about the correct gauge, but when knitting a shawl or afghan IMHO gauge really doesn't matter too much. I have had the experience of going up a size to make the item have a softer hand, but other than that the size didn't matter too much.

I am just curious as to why the exact same pattern knit with the same yarn would state 6 mm needles on one site, and 8 mm on another. I can see a difference of one size, but 6 to 8's is a pretty big jump.

...Linda

I believe the pattern was one size, but the gauge listed on the yarn label was the other size. This is pretty typical, I usually see different size needles used for a pattern than is on the label.

sue

Take a look at these sites and see what I mean:

Here is is on the Lionbrand site:

Oh, that's what you said, sorry. Well sure, there's a few ways to knit a shawl, but really they're basically large scarves; this is kind of a garter rib, or broken garter. The one on larger needles would give you a softer, looser stitch than the Lion pattern is the only difference and I'd think you'd want that in a shawl. Oh, you'd have less stitches to knit per inch depending on how large you want to make it.... As I suggested before, try it out with different size needles to see which you like better.

sue

Some people say that they "swatch" by starting a small part of the pattern, such as a sleeve or sweater front. If it's the right size, they keep going. If it isn't, they rip. But always swatch the way you will knit: if in the round, swatch in the round.

=Tamar

Right, I say I don't swatch, that is making a `perfect' 4x4 or 6x6 piece, but I do really. I start in on the piece and if it isn't coming out right, I start over.

sue

Well, I decided rather than talking about doing it....I did it. I started the shawl today and compromised by using 7 mm. needles and it looks and feels wonderful. I cast on 57 stitches, used the 7 mm needle, so I should get the same width as the LionBrand version.

So far, so good....Linda

Patterns like scarves and shawls can be made on just about any size needles and yarn that you like the look of as there's no fitting to worry about. Sounds like you've found a good match.

sue