very frustrated with gauge

[KatyKoolkat]

Hi:

I am trying a new preemie pattern, and the gauge says 28 stitches and 36 rows equal 4 in. So, what I have done is co the 28 stitches and knit 36 rows and measured. However, I am not getting 4 inches.

Is this the right way to measure gauge? I have tried 3.25, 3.5, and 3.75 (cause they are the only needles I have right now) and I knit the same and it all comes out too short lengthwise (at 3.5 inches--ALL of them!) Is that normal? The width is ok at 4 in, but it is the length that I am having problems with.

Thanks again
Katy

[twiggyann]

If the pattern tells you to knit for 3 inches, or 5 inches in length instead of knitting for 10 rows, or 20 rows, then I would guess it really doesn't matter all that much as long as you have the stitches per inch gauge.

[Mer]

You might want to make your swatch bigger than it suggests too, since your co and any curling could affect the measurement. So cast on more stitches and knit a bit longer and then measure out four inches and count the stitches.

[KatyKoolkat]

Cool!!! Thanks for your suggestions, I will try them and let you know how they come out!!

Katy