Gauge Question

[Karen]

In some patterns it will have an option of using a worsted weight yarn versus a bulkier weight for a lighter garment yet the stitch gauge may still read 3 stitches to the inch.  So is the main difference in the thickness of the fabric and not in the finished size? And would a coat worked in say, Wool Ease, come out to the same size as Wool Ease Chunky but just be a lighter weight?  This is assuming both were worked with the 1/2 inch spacing.

[shivers]

Karen,
   If I am reading your question right, 3 stitches to an inch would possibly be the stitches going across.  They will pretty much remain the same because of the spacing of the pins.  The difference would probably be in the length of the garment.  How many rows per inch?  A bulky yarn will give less per inch on rows than say a worsted weight yarn.  Best bet, work a swatch of both yarns and see what difference you get.  If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

Good luck,

Sue Kreitzer. a loomer in Texas

[Pat]

Most times when a pattern says this, it is not a garment that requires a lot of exact fit.  It's more the weight and feel of the finished piece that is affected.  The bulky yarn will be a tighter knit without any openings in the stitches, or a more matt finish.  The worsted weight comparison will be lighter, more open, and less rigid. The gauge may be slightly different, so I agree, the best thing to do is knit a test swatch of each yarn that you are considering, and measure the gauge before starting.
Is there any specific pattern that you are looking at?  Pat

[Karen]

Pat, the patterns that came with the board I purchased include a coat pattern, goncho bag, baby hat and booties, and a hat and scarf.  The coat pattern is the one I'm interested in making.  It calls for 14 skeins of Rowanspun DKfor a size medium but also mentions, "This coat is also great using a bulky yarn for a winter weight coat sweater.  A nice yarn is Plymouth Encore Chunky.  This is acrylic and wool blend." 

The pattern does not indicate a difference in size for the finished garments so I was wondering if the main difference would be in the heaviness of the coat rather than the size.  Do you think Lion Brand Wool Ease would be comparable to Rowanspun DK?  I think you're right Sue.  The main difference would probably be in the row count. 

Pat do you know if the coat pictured in the pattern was knit with the DK or the chunky yarn? 

[knittingboardchat]

Hi Karen,
The 2 yarns mentioned are very different.  The yarn for the Westport makes a lightweight, open and drapy knit.  The heavier yarn was used for the Danbury coat in a different photo and the pattern is different.  Some variations in the pockets and shape of the coat.  It will be a larger, more bulky and heavier coat.  If you want to use a bulky yarn, I would use the Danbury pattern.  Pat

[amandalyn]

Hi everyone, Pat told me I could get help on the discussion board concerning pattern conversions.
Lion brand yarn has a pattern for helmet liners to be worn under the helmets of people in the military,must be 100% wool etc etc. I would love to help with this but on the knitting board.
The pattern number is #90383AD has anyone tried it, on the knitting board? can it be done? I have the 28" board.
Also, could anyone tell me if theres a conversion chart anywhere for knitting instructions ex. YO, how would you do that on the knitting board? and when you slip one loop from one needle to another, is that the same as slipping one loop from the left needle to the right when knitting with knitting needles? I'd like to be able to read a knitting pattern and do it on the board  like someone else would do with needles.
Thank you all for any help you can give