Expert: Deborah Mason - 7/26/2009

Question
Hi there,  I have a pattern from the US that does not give the ply of the wool (Jil Eaton MinnowMerino), however uses 5 mm needles.  I am assuming it would be a 10 ply wool, however was wondering if it would knit up the same if I used 8ply instead with 5 mm needles?
Thanks for your help.

Answer
If the pattern uses a worsted or heavy weight yarn then it will be a 10 ply equivalent.  Knitting the pattern using an 8 ply with the same size needles will result in a smaller garment.  If it was me I would either try to find a 10 ply yarn like Patons Jet or try knitting the 8 ply on larger needles.  

You could do a tension square using the 8 ply and 5.50mm to see how close you can get to the tension stated in the pattern.  As the recommended needle size for an 8 ply is usually 4.00mm, you will then have to decide if you like the look of the fabric knitted on larger needles.