Gauge in knitting - good one way but not the other?

Question

I'm knitting a type of top where gauge is critical. I'm using needle size 9. I knitted a test gauge, and I'm good left to right (stitches per inch), but not up and down (rows per inch). If I switch needles my left to right gauge gets messed up. Should I go ahead and knit the item anyway and just try to adjust the pattern for the rows (subtract rows here and there?) Or is there some other trick? Thanks.

Answer 1

the stitch count is more important than the row count so go ahead with your project - just adjust the length where needed.

Answer 2

Are you using the exact yarn and pattern for the gauge?  I would probably adjust the rows if the pattern is simple, so do that if you feel comfortable.  Just remember to do the same thing with all the pieces so when you put them together it will work.

Answer 3

try doing another test piece, but leave the yarn a little looser or pull it a little tighter. you did not say which direction was small.

you also need to dampen the test piece and pull into shape and let it dry.

if these still dont work, you can remove or add rows.