Help with gauge

[cjansen]

This is the first time I am trying to make clothing. and I've never paid much attention to gauge because I didn't need too.

BUT... I'm making the classic elite yarn Sundance Not-yellow Crochet Top-Down Tank www.classiceliteyarns.com/webletter/41/issue41.php

 

I figured out that Sundance is a DK yarn (I want to practice with yarn I already have) the gauge is supposed to be with a J hook - 12 stitches wide and 11.5 rows = 4" in hdc. when I do this I get the 12 stitches across but about 9 rows high = 4". and when I use an I hook the 12 stitch row is about 3.5" wide.

 

what am I supposed to do to correct this?

[Granny Square]

Most clothing patterns will tell you to work a stitch pattern for so many inches in length, then have you do some shaping for a few rows, then work straight for so many inches again.

 

The most important gauge to hit for a sweater is the width, you can always add/subtract rows. I like to measure up a sweater-in-progress to one that you own, that fits nicely, as a sanity check.

[cjansen]

I was thinking to do this. The pattern says to try on and modifiy to fit. I will try it.

thanks