If your gauge is close, but not quite where it needs to be, always adjust your needle size and try swatching again.
If your gauge is a higher number than the gauge in the pattern, that means your stitches are smaller (because you’re fitting more stitches into the same amount of space). In this case, we recommend swatching again with a needle one size larger.
If your gauge is a lower number than the gauge in the pattern, that means your sisters are larger (because you are fitting fewer stitches into the same amount of space). In this case, we recommend swatching again with a needle one size smaller.
When determining which size to choose, keep in mind that if your gauge number is higher than the gauge of the pattern (meaning your stitches are smaller), your finished sweater will be smaller than the stated measurements. If your gauge number is smaller than the gauge of the pattern (meaning your stitches are larger), your finished sweater will be larger than the stated measurements.
For help with making pattern modifications and adjusting your size for various gauge options, you might consider the Sweater Boss workshop, which covers this topic in some detail.