I'm trying to get the right gauge so I can knit my vest for level 11. The yarn & pattern say 9sts.=2 inches with size 8 needles stockinette stitch. I get way too many with an 8 and with an 11 I get 10 st in 2 inches, but the stitches don't look nearly as nice as they do with a smaller needle.Any suggestions?

You could recalculate the pattern to work with the gauge that looks nicest.

Try a size ten needle, or nine.to see what it looks like. you also might try using a size larger in the pattern or even two to fit with the gauge that looks the best as jaquie suggested. then you don't have to do anything but use the bigger numbers.

Something to think about if you are making big changes in gauge (like way more than 9 sts/ 2 in). That gauge is probably given because the fabric has a nice drape to it. Your stitches might look better at a higher gauge, but if the fabric is stiff, that's not good.

Maybe that particular yarn just doesn't "want" to work in this needle & gauge? Sometimes I blame those stubborn sheep when the gauge, drape or whatever doesn't please me

Jude

You might try a different type of needle within those sizes. Sometimes I won't get gauge with a bamboo Addi but will with the turbo (in the same size I'm trying). Or even with a Clover rather than an Addi. Don't know why, perhaps, subtle changes in size.
Judy