| Archive for Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns The Friendly UK Board that invites Knitters, Crocheters, Dressmakers, Quilters, Patchworkers, Jewellery makers and Paper Crafters to join in our chat about Craft |
| murdo |
Tension practice and adviceI am practicing my crochet and trying to get a "feel" for obtaining correct gauge by doing granny squares. The one I am doing says I should achieve a 3 inch square using 4.5 mm hook and a yarn that has a knitting tension of 17 stitches and 23 rows per 4 inches.Hmm. I have yarn that's got a knitting tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches. I did it too loose to begin with as not "tensioning" my yarn with pinkie finger etc. First one was 5 inches square!! Re-did it using fingers/yarns tensioning...getting a much denser square but it's 4inches square. I really don't think I could do it tighter without my finger falling off and/or getting a cardboard-like texture!! I know I can go down a hook size BUT I don't want to "hide" from tension problems, if that's what it is....or is yarn sub just too different. What do you all think? I want to suss this out on cheap yarn/slipper pattern before my Drops garment  How tight is yarn supposed to be!!!???
Here's details of original yarn ...not one I am using... Red Heart 4-ply worsted weight yarn is 100% acrylic fiber with Bounce-BackŪ fibers with a comfortable hand and superior resiliency. Machine wash and dry. Made in U.S.A. Knitting Gauge in stockinette stitch, size 8 needles and Crochet Gauge in single crochet, size H-8 hook: 15 stitches and 22 rows = 4". Patttern http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/124/f124002grannyslippers.shtml |
| Binty |
Murdo I know what you mean about tension - I think thats why I fancy doing the throw (it doesn't matter).
I have to say that I find crochet harder on my hands than knitting but I think this might be because Im new to it and not very relaxed. Hope you get it sorted. |
| melody yarns |
I find that my tension is too tight when I crochet, so have to go up a hook size. At the crochet workshop I worked too tightly round the outside of my piece and coudn't get my hook in the next row/round that I did. I guess it all comes with practice Jackie 
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| murdo |
yeehah!! Got it. Worked out that this yarn would give me a square with 0.25 of an inch extra. Got that. Fine for slipper pattern and now I know how tight to make stitches. Finish slippers while I wait for my Drops yarn, then off I go on a garment
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