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Stitching & Crafting Room:  my crochet projects are wrong size...help!  |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 08 2011 : 7:41:21 PM
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So I have never been good at math, and for some reason, crocheting is really mathematical to me. I have heard about the whole "check your gauge" thing, but it doesn't make sense to me. So how about I just explain the issue and all you experts can help me. 
I am working on a piece right now. Nothing fancy but it turned out a few inches bigger than the pattern said it should be. I finished the piece and then tried to make it a second time using a smaller hook. (I went from a G to an F). The piece turned out EXACTLY the same size. What the heck? When something is turning out too big, do I need to down one/two hooks or do I need to go up one/two hooks?
I just learned to crochet beginning of last month so I'm still new to this. Never realized how important gauge is to making patterns and having them fit what they are supposed to! Help...please? I need an explanation intended for dummies!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 04:19:51 AM
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Amy,
Gauge is really important. You look at the gauge and it says something like 10 sc equals 2". You should adjust your hook and measure 10 stiches until it equals 2". I just used that as a reference...the pattern will tell you the gauge. If your stiches are too big you go to a smaller hook. It is also important to use the correct weight of yarn for the pattern. Different size yarns can cause you to be too big also.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
I ask not for a larger garden, but for finer seeds.
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 06:38:46 AM
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Ah - one issue was that I was using the wrong weight yarn. I used a Peaches and Cream type yarn (#4) and I guess the pattern was for DK weight yarn (sport? #3?) Didn't realize there was that big of a difference!
So...about this gauge thing. If my patterns says 10 sc equals 2", and my 2" actually has 15 scs, do I need to use a smaller hook or a bigger hook to get down to 10 scs?
My brain is so backwards about it!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
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woolgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
901 Posts
Elizabeth
Great Lakes
IL
USA
901 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 06:55:18 AM
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I would say a bigger hook, right? I think? You want less stitches, so I think bigger. I am still new at all this crochet business too!
Liz
Farmgirl #1947
www.militaryfarmgirl.blogspot.com |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 07:22:08 AM
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you need to use a bigger hook you should always make a test swatch when making anything the time it saves is amazing most people don't do one because they feel it wastes time but not in the long run. Plus it lets you test the pattern a little and see if you really want to make an entire piece out of the stitch as you may hate the stitch once tested. Also if you have tested a swatch either always wash it with the piece and store it with it this way when ever you get a hole in your work latter you have the exact same match of thread/yarn to go with it or you can set them all aside and in time make a sample afghan
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
Farmgirl Sister #115
my blog http://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/
my store http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageThreads
facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Sunshines-Creations/104230882941628 |
Edited by - sunshine on Aug 09 2011 5:01:59 PM |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 07:30:25 AM
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Crocheting is just like quilting. Unless you are making an item of clothing, does it really make a difference about size? If your first effort at crocheting looks good--go with it. After all, you never will have another first at it again!
Betty in Pasco |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 08:45:52 AM
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It did matter for this particular project because something that should have been, well like barbie doll sized turned out to be Paul Bunyan size, if you know what I mean. I know with some things it doesn't matter, and most the things I started out crocheting were those things that don't matter. I guess now since I'm working on different type things, I'd better figure this gauge thing out. Nothing worse than wasting yarn!!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: my crochet projects are wrong size...help! |
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my crochet projects are wrong size...help!
