Gauge problems w/UK knitting pattern

[dorthybuht]

A few weeks ago, I volunteered to make a baby sweater for my friend's new grandbaby since she's just starting out with knitting and doesn't feel up to snuff. The pattern (which is a UK pattern) seems simple enough but I'm having a heck of a time getting the gauge right.

Here are my questions/issues:

• On a UK pattern, what does the term "double knitting" mean? Is it just a yarn weight or something else?
• The yarn my friend wants to use is baby weight and will NOT knit up to the proper gauge (22 sts/28rows for 4in) on the needles given by the pattern (4mm/US6). The only way to almost approach the gauge with the yarn I'm using is to use US9s which makes a very airy fabric.
• Should I just go out and get new yarn? I know my friend really likes the yarn but I don't think I can use it for the pattern and am afraid that if I use the US9s, I'll make the sweater waaay too big and airy.

[soozeq]

Yep, I would say double knitting is the yarn weight - a thin worsted or heavy sport weight. You could double strand the yarn and that should get you the gauge. That's where the term 'double knitting' yarn comes from; they doubled fingering weight to get a heavier yarn. Even if you use the size 9 with a single strand, it won't be too large if you get the pattern gauge, just a loose knit. If you use size 6s with a single strand, you'll get a smaller item, same if you use size 7s or 8s too. So try doubling it and use different size needles to see which works for you without it being too stiff.