4ply to DK

Mandy2 · 4ply to DK

Dumb question time: Rolling Eyes

If you have a 4ply pattern, can you knit it in DK? If so, would you need to do a tension square and why? How could you work out what size to knit compared to a 4ply pattern? Also, how could you work out how many yarn it would take? Very Happy

Thanks

Glynis

Hi Mandy, I think the first thing I would do is make a tension square using the chosen yarn and some appropriate needles. Comparing the resulting figures with those in the pattern will give you a good idea just how much maths you will need to do to knit the required shapes. The more complex the shapes the more numbers you will have to work out.

Wildpurl

Hi Mandy,
I agree with Glynis that you would need to knit a tension square as this is really the only way you can establish what size the garment you knit will be compared to the pattern.

I would choose the size you would knit if you were doing it in 4 ply as the reference which tells you what size the pieces are that you have to construct in DK. You will need to know the dimensions of each pattern piece, both vetical and horizontal.

The number of stitches and rows per cm that you get from your tension square will enable you to calculate how many stitches and rows you need to cast on and increase or decrease to get the same sized pieces as in the pattern.

You could estimate the amount of yarn I think by taking the amount given in 4 ply and using the ratio of the 4 ply gauge to DK gauge as a multiplier. I think that would work.

Another possibility is to use your 4 ply pattern as a model and use something like Anne Budd's Knitters Book of Handy sweater patterns to create your own desing using her basic patterns and you actual tension (have to knit a square still I'm afraid!)

HTH
Good luck!

Mandy2

Girls

Thanks for this - it seems more trouble than it is worth Shocked

but I appreciate your advice.

For some reason, I thought it would be simple Embarassed

Thank you

Glynis

You are very welcome Smile

melody yarns

For what it's worth probably the simplest way forward would be to hunt round on Rav for a pattern that is a similar style but knitted in the weight of yarn you want to use Wink

But then I am totally lazy!! Laughing

Mandy2

Melody - thanks but I'm not on Rav Embarassed

franney

Auntie Noo

Oh Mandy2 you should!!! - It's a fab resource for finding patterns, and you may just find exactly what you're after .... in the right weight! Smile

or something close enough for you to cobble.

Go on!!! We'll hold your hand! Smile

melody yarns

How weird is that!! I was just going to say the same thing!! Laughing

Annerosemary

Well, I'm a bit more slapdash when it comes to socks so I've done it. A lot of patterns are 60 sts for 4ply sock, and my dk socks are 48 sts. So less pattern repeats will often fit onto a 48st dk sock pretty easily iyswim. It worked really well with Pomatomus from Knitty Winter 2005 so 'd say give it a go!!

Mandy2

Ok - I've signed up to Ravelry and have 4 days to wait.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks girls Very Happy

franney

It's so worth it Mandy, seriously! Even if you don't use it for anything other than looking for patterns or ideas for that odd ball in your stash it'll save you so much time Very Happy