The ball-band gauge on Dovestone Aran Naturals is 4.5 stitches per inch, so my first thought was that I could push the gauge to worsted or closer to DK range. I started with size 6 wood needles knitting at 5 stitches per inch (top of the swatch in the photo above) but the stitches skew to the left, the right half pinched, and that the fabric looks rough and uneven. While this is not unexpected for a 2-ply yarn, the effect is much less noticeable at 4 stitches per inch, and the fabric looks smoother and more regular.
I experimented with applying a button band using a double-needle pick up in rib pattern, in order to avoid the usual row of purl stitches on the back of a double needle pickup. I’m really happy with the result – it will make for a completely reversible button band (back side below).
I also started the ribbed reversible cables I had intended to feature alongside the button bands, but it soon became clear they they weren’t going to stand to from a background pattern without a lot of bulk, something I want to avoid. I’m going to have to rethink that front motif.
