For me, it is varying, quite varying in fact. I didn’t realize this until I started writing knitting patterns. I make it a point to measure my gauge for every sample I make for a pattern, even if I am using the same yarn I always use.
What this means is that I may have a pattern with a gauge of 11 stitches per inch and then have a pattern with 9 stitches per inch, and they both use the same yarn and needles. My state of mind greatly affects my knitting.
When writing my first knitting pattern, I know I was very stressed. I wanted to get it perfect. There really is so much to get right, or so much to get wrong writing a knitting pattern. I’m guessing that the stress I felt caused my knitting to be tighter than my original gauge taken when I first started using the type of yarn I was using for the sample. Recently I knit a sweater with the same yarn and the same needles. Now my gauge is looser than my original gauge. This is crazy, right?
So you can get a picture of how different my knitting gauge can be, here are the numbers. My original stitch gauge was 10 stitches per inch. The gauge I measured for my first pattern was 11, and the sweater I just completed was 9 stitches per inch.
The same pattern was used. Even though the fit is snugger with 11 stitches per inch, and looser with the 9 stitches per inch, all of the sweaters look fine in my opinion.
The great thing about knitting for dolls is that the projects are small and can be knit again quickly if you want to make changes to the fit.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the same pattern knit with a gauge of 11 stitches per inch and 9 stitches per inch respectively. As you can see, there isn’t a huge difference.
Happy dolly knitting! And don’t stress about gauge too much.
Cindy Rice Designs 
So, a knitting question. Where do you find 0 or 00 knitting needles? They don’t go that small at Joann’s, at least at the store here. The smallest appeared to be size 1. I found a chart that lists all sizes in metric, UK, and US. But still haven’t had success. I’m thinking toothpicks? Just
kidding.
And now I’m going to have to worry about gauge. I’ll probably end up with a square with dropped stitches just like when I was five! Ha
Joy,
This is the first set I purchased. https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Sock-each-size/dp/B000QHGVZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481145094&sr=8-1&keywords=susan+bates+sock+set That way if you need to go smaller or larger for Amelia Thimble’s dress you can do that. You can do it! If I can knit, so can you!
Maybe you can delete one of my posts. The first time I tried, it wouldn’t post. Had no name etc. So I tried again and the 2nd time there was the usual name etc and it posted. Strange.
Thanks for the needle place. I didn’t realize it was so hard to find those small needles.
Just got back from my favorite junk shop. Found an adorable vintage butter pat and some Danish Christmas cards. Both just what I needed. 🙂
hi there I get all my needles feom loveknitting.com, they are in the U.K. but give really good service, have a quality and wide range and ship quickly😊
Hi, Cher. Thanks for sharing where you purchase your needles from. It’s always nice to have options. I will go and check them out.
Got the needles!! Tried at your post, but didn’t have enough money/points/ etc to buy with out buying something else. tried again with Google and the name of needles and turned out Joann’s had them. Had no idea I was looking for sock needles. Anyway, had a coupon and didn’t need as they were on sale for the same as the online price that required more purchases. So, am good with needles. Now to figure out how to cast on… 🙂 and those needles are so tiny! Definitely a two pair of glasses thing.
Thanks so much for your help.