needle size?

Hi,

Can someone please reccomend a needle size for a shawl knit out of fine lace weight yarn. I am having some problems finding the correct size.

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Brinton on April 1, 2012 at 5:28pm

What size do they suggest? Do you knit loose or tight? Are you in the process of making swatch(es)?

Permalink Reply by lynsey neilson on April 1, 2012 at 5:33pm

the pattern calls for a normal lace weight with a 5mm needle. My gague is usually about spot on. I've started on a 5mm and then went down to a 4mm but due to the pattern using estonian stiches k3tog, yo, k3tog into the same 3 stitches etc I am having some difficulty. I may have to give up and use normal lace weight but it was the yarn I had to hand.

Permalink Reply by Mary Brinton on April 1, 2012 at 5:50pm

I have not done any Estonian items, but I think they probably tell you what the gauge would be in a particular setting to determine your final needle size. Are they saying the gauge should be set by a bit of pattern stitch, or by stockinette?

Permalink Reply by Jean on April 1, 2012 at 5:56pm

You mentioned giving up and having to use lace weight yarn, what size yarn are you using? If you are having problems with the stitches you may need to go with a larger needle, but it mentioned a gauge, try to get as close to it as you can.

Permalink Reply by lynsey neilson on April 1, 2012 at 5:59pm

I'm using a fine lace weight. To give you some idea it's 1600 yards to 100g it's pretty much cobweb weight. The pattern doesn't give gauge as it's a test knit.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on April 1, 2012 at 6:27pm

Lynsey, knitting lace often requires using a needle bigger than what you would typically use. Since this is a test knit, I suggest you contact the designer and ask what the gauge is supposed to be. If your gauge is too small, your finished piece will be smaller than the designer intended. And if your gauge is too big, your finished piece will be larger than the designer intended.

Permalink Reply by Panther2000 on August 31, 2012 at 12:46pm

I am new to lace knitting, what size needle do you suggest for just basic lace patterns, i.e. Scarves?

Permalink Reply by lynsey neilson on August 31, 2012 at 1:16pm

What weight of yarn are you using?

Permalink Reply by Panther2000 on September 1, 2012 at 10:23am

It's the Baby Alpaca Lace Weight. It took me 2 days to re-roll it into a ball. Thinking of getting a ball winder.

Permalink Reply by lynsey neilson on September 1, 2012 at 11:01am

:) It's nice yarn. Do you know what you are going to knit?

Permalink Reply by Panther2000 on September 27, 2012 at 7:31am

Fingering

Permalink Reply by PickleSue on April 1, 2012 at 7:18pm

Just an idea- but you might find the yarn you're using on Ravelry and look at the projects others are making with it. Then see what needle size people are using on projects similar to yours? I have some cobweb weight that I'm dreading using (kind of). Lol.