If a knitting patterns calls for size 3 knitting needles and I dont have any would using size 5?

and I dont have any would using size 5 knitting needles really make a difference? Its for a small newborn hat.

4 Comments

spunk113 January 20th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

The main thing it will affect will be the size of the hat. Do a sample first to determine your gauge, then adjust the pattern as necessary.

Barbara January 20th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

Make a swatch! I know its boring, but do it. A #5 could make the difference between fitting on the baby’s head and coming down over it’s chin. On the other hand, a newborn hat will only last a matter of a week or two and a small baby hat might work for a couple of months

RoofingPrincess January 20th, 2010 at 3:39 pm

Before starting any pattern you need to knit a test swatch to make sure your knitting matches the gauge (number of stitches per inch) called for in the pattern. If you’re not knitting to gauge, the item will turn out the wrong size.
For example, I “knit big”. The sweater pattern I was using called for size 7 for the body of the sweater. When I started knitting test swatches, I found I couldn’t get gauge unless I used a size 4!