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I find that all patterns have a "gauge". If you use the size yarn, thread etc., and the size needle/hook recommended in the pattern, your project should be the same size as the pattern. Then, the pattern(s) tell you if your sample piece isn't the right size, then change your needle/hook until you get the right size sample piece. My opinion? BS!! Unless you're making an article of clothing that has to fit some BODY, why bother with gauges? I started ignoring gauges when I first started knitting afghans. It doesn't matter if it's exactly the right size to the 1/2 inch! If I'm making an afghan for a child, it doesn't need to be as wide, or as long as the pattern calls for. I simply gauge my work to the size of the person it's meant for. Most afghans I make are at least 60 inches if they're for an adult. However, when I made an afghan for my 6'4" brother, I made it 72 inches long. I wouldn't make a 72 inch long afghan for my 5'6" son in law. Also, I knit rather loosely, so that makes my project slightly larger than the pattern. And due to some nerve damage in my right hand, I tend to use larger needles when knitting as they are easier for me to work with. I do use smaller needles for knitted dishrags, but who cares if they are 1/2 inch larger or smaller than the pattern calls for? It's a dishrag for heaven's sake! As for crocheting, I tend to be the same. I find it difficult to work with smaller threads (under size 10) and have found that using a 10 instead of a 20 (which is smaller than the 10) my doilies are generally only 1 or 2 inches larger than the pattern. Besides, I like being able to see the detail when using a larger thread. I've seen patterns that call for 40 or 70 size thread. To give you perspective, a 70 is about the size of sewing thread. You can't see the detail when crocheting that small. Of course if the pattern calls for size 70 thread and I use 10, I have to adjust the size so the project fits an intended "target". One comes to mind - I found a bedspread pattern I loved, which called for 40 sized thread. I was going to make a table cloth instead. So I crocheted one motif to see the size. (Motifs are smaller pieces you crochet individually then join together to make a larger project.) Anyway, I only made enough motifs to cover the table I intended it for. It didn't matter what size thread I used. I tailored the pattern to fit my desired use. People fear being creative. How many of you would use a bedspread pattern for a tablecloth? Why not I ask? I have also made a tablecloth that ended up being huge - 140" by 70". It's almost large enough to fit my kingsized bed! But the table I made it for is HUGE, so it works. More than once I've made pieces (doilies) where I didn't like a particular part of the pattern. With a little trial and error (and ripping out rows) I have altered patterns more to my liking. I once did a crochet pattern that called for picots every few stitches. I hate doing picots where it doesn't have a purpose other than looks. (A picot is a chain of 3 or 4 stitches, that you attach the top stitch to the bottom stitch so you get a little loop.) A picot in the middle of a piece that is only there for show is a pain in the behind. Besides, I prefer cleaner, simpler designs in some cases. A picot at the edge of a motif is there so you can join pieces together. Those are NECESSARY! One rather strange thing I did - I found a doily pattern I liked and made it out of cotton yarn - like I use for dishrags. Yeah it was 24 inches instead of 12, but it sure made a nice bath mat for outside my shower!! Be Creative! Basically I'm saying the pattern is someone's creation. That doesn't mean it has to be done exactly as written. Omit, add, alter - do whatever you desire! When you change a design, it's now YOUR design, not someone else's.
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