Sweater gauge and drape question

[lizcommotion]

Question about sweater pattern alteration here:

I tend to pick patterns to pieces and combine the bits I like. I'm planning to knit caramel, which is a top-down cardigan that's got a lot of positive ease and is very drape-y, using some Malabrigo rastita and DK/light worsted handspun that's a mix of silk and wool.

My main question is, aside from me having to do math, is there a structural problem with me knitting in a looser gauge than the pattern calls for?

The pattern calls for 22 sts / 4 inches, and I just feel that because the yarn I have is very woolen and floofy, at that gauge it will be Too Stiff. Also, because chronic pain + hot flashes all the time, light weight cardigans are really more my style anyway.

I know for socks and things a looser gauge means you're more likely to get holes, and obviously it will be cooler (which I want). But other than that, is there any reason not to do it? I also know that because I'm using a lot of single ply, there will be Pilling Issues, but I can deal.

I knit a swatch with a gauge of 18 sts / 4 inches and I really like the way the fabric looks and drapes and feels so if there is not a problem other than those listed above, I will probably just go with that.

Thanks!

Comments

[grimmhill]

The only problem I would foresee is that the drape of the front pieces may change. A loose gauge means a fabric with less body, so it may puddle more. I'm not sure how to assess the difference using a more robust mixed yarn at a looser gauge will make though.

[turlough]

The thing I would worry about is that the fabric might sag under its own weight if it's knitted at too loose a gauge.Though with DK weight yarn that might not be too much of a problem.

[hellkitty]

You might try, if you hate math, to do the adjustment numbers for the armholes and such, to select a smaller size than you would make for your measurements.

Socks are knitted tighter than 'recommended' gauge for yarn, because socks get a lot of terrible wear. Sweaters get worn, but nothing like getting rubbed a couple hundred times a wear against the heel of a shoe while sweating, so that's not really going to be an issue. :D

[yanagi_wa]

It'll turn out a different size. Not sure how different or what direction it'll go. (too late at night for math.)