Hi Knitters,

I have been wondering about the small grid and dimensions you get on the label of balls of wool The ones that give dimensions (say 10cmx10cm) and 24 stitches by 28 rows.

I know this probably is common sense, but does this mean that if I use the recommended size of needles 24 stiches will give me a finished piece that is 10 cm wide, and I need to do 28 rows to get 10cm long?

Thanks alot!

In an ideal world yes that is exactly what it means :) However most knitters will knit at a slightly different tension to that (some knit a bit tight so to get the same dimensions they would need to use a bigger needle, some knit looser so would need a smaller needle to get the same finish) so you would normally knit a tension square to check yours before you embark on a big project (or one where dimensions are crucial anyway).

Hope that makes sense!

Yes, that's what the guide is telling you, it's the suggested tension for the yarn. It helps when you want to substitute one yarn for another or if you're dreaming up the pattern yourself and want to know what sized needles to use. Tension is a very personal thing, if I used the needles given on the chart then I'd end up with a smaller square because I know that I knit tightly.

Yes, that's what the guide is telling you, it's the suggested tension for the yarn. It helps when you want to substitute one yarn for another or if you're dreaming up the pattern yourself and want to know what sized needles to use. Tension is a very personal thing, if I used the needles given on the chart then I'd end up with a smaller square because I know that I knit tightly.

Thanks both of you. That makes sense. I don't know what sort of tension I knit at - if its anything like other things I do it'll probably be variable!!

Thanks both of you. That makes sense. I don't know what sort of tension I knit at - if its anything like other things I do it'll probably be variable!!


:lol: if its something where size is critical, I would do a tension square before I started the project to make sure that the needle yarn combination was right for the pattern especially if I was substituting a different yarn to the one the pattern was written for.

:lol: if its something where size is critical, I would do a tension square before I started the project to make sure that the needle yarn combination was right for the pattern especially if I was substituting a different yarn to the one the pattern was written for.

Its a beanie style hat. Have done several with different yarns following the same basic pattern. The yarns were all pretty similar. want to do one with a very fine wool and one with a very chuinky wool now so thought I'd better at least take a rough measurement. But they are all for adults and have a certain amount of stretch in them so its not a critical thing!

Thnankls for the advice though, I'll remember that for if I ever do something more critical. next vernture may be tea cosies so again less critical, as long as they are big enough!