This is the first time that I've ever bothered to do a gauge swatch, and it's not turning out well. The provided gauge on the pattern is 18 stitches = 4 inches and 4 rows = 4 inches. Crochet.
I've done 18 stitches and 4 rows... my 18 stitches measures at barely over 4.5 inches, and my 4 rows measure at barely over 2 inches. I'm using the hook size that the pattern said I should be using.
My confusion is this... on the one hand, it's too large... on the other, it's too short. What do I do to remedy this? I mean, typically, right, if your swatch is too large, you go down a hook size, and vice versa. But... since it's too large in one direction and too small in another direction I don't know wat do.
How do I solve this conundrum? Am I missing something obvious?
Oh, god; ignore me. I completely misread the pattern. I'm supposed to do EIGHT rows, not four. But then again, don't ignore me. If that WERE to happen in the future, having followed the pattern exactly, would there be anything I can do to fix it?