Expert: Ed Matos - 1/12/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I found a pattern for a sweater I want to make. I know enough about crochet stitches to read a pattern but have never actually used one before (I'm a knitter). So, I chained on the required amount of stitches with the right size needle and then am supposed to join/connect it and work in rounds. But the size of the round is very much smaller than it's supposed to be. Is it me or the pattern?

ANSWER: Hello Tabitha:

Thanks for the question.

The pattern will state if it needs to be joined or not. If you need to join, you will read at the end of the row something stating to slip stitch, to first stitch. Normally you work a sweater in panel, similar to knitting. Another clue will also be, how many section does the pattern have (front panel, back panel, sleeves, etc). Then you will be joining all the pieces together.

Hope this helped. Should you need any assistance, please let me know.

Happy Hooking

Ed

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, yes it does help. It says to mark the beginning of the row with a stitch marker and the schematic has little arrows that suggest it's in the round instead of separate pieces for front and back, so I believe it is crocheted in the round, but the size is so small it seems as if there's a mistake in the pattern. Should I just try to use a larger hook and keep testing?

Answer
Hello Tabitha:

Is this a child size or adult?

Did you do a gauge swatch to get the gauge right? Yes you may need to go up some needle size to match what the pattern states. I tend to crochet tight (and knit tight as well) so a gauge swatch is important to do, if I want the size to be as stated in the pattern.

Hope this helped. Should you need any assistance, please let me know.

Happy Hooking

Ed