How to Measure Knit Gauge
Find the gauge listed on the pattern., Consider your project, assessing whether the measurements need to be precise, or if the item size can vary and still be usable., Determine what size sample swatch you will use., Knit your sample swatch., Lay...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find the gauge listed on the pattern.
It is usually at the beginning of the pattern, along with the type of yarn and size of knitting needle to use. -
Step 2: Consider your project
For example, a teddy bear will turn out fine even if a bit bigger or smaller than the pattern instructions, while gloves need to be sized exactly so they fit the wearer. , For a project with leeway, a 4-inch (10-cm) swatch can suffice, but otherwise, you want a sample of 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm). , Use stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl next row) for measuring knit gauge, unless the pattern's listed gauge specifically says to work the sample in another pattern, such as a seed stitch.
When making a 4-inch (10-cm) swatch, use stockinette or the listed stitch for making the entire sample. (If no stitch is listed, the listed gauge refers to stockinette stitch.) The end result will be an approximation, because stitch tension functions differently on edges than in the midst of a fabric.
When making a swatch of 6 to 8 inches(15-20 cm), work in the garter stitch for the first several rows until you have about 1 inch (2.5 cm) as border.
After that, begin and end each row with an inch (2.5 cm) of garter stitch.
In the middle, use stockinette stitch or the pattern being used by the gauge, until you're about 1 inch (2.5 cm) short of making a square.
Finish that last inch (2.5 cm) in garter stitch.
The garter stitch border will mimic how putting the stitches within the full project will affect the tension, while giving you easy points to start and end your measuring and counting. , Set a hard ruler across your swatch to count your stitches per 4 inches (10 cm).
To get the most accurate gauge measurement, wash and dry your sample before you measure your knit gauge.
The horizontal measurement is your stitches per inch.
The vertical measurement is your rows per inch. ,, If it's more than 1 stitch difference, then you probably need a thicker yarn. , If it's more than 1 stitch fewer, then you probably need a thinner yarn. , -
Step 3: assessing whether the measurements need to be precise
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Step 4: or if the item size can vary and still be usable.
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Step 5: Determine what size sample swatch you will use.
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Step 6: Knit your sample swatch.
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Step 7: Lay your sample flat and skip the edges of the sample swatch.
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Step 8: Compare your sample gauge to the pattern's gauge measurement.
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Step 9: If you have about 1 stitch more per inch (2.5 cm) than the pattern
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Step 10: try again with a larger needle.
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Step 11: If you have about 1 stitch fewer per inch (2.5 cm) than the pattern
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Step 12: try again with a smaller needle.
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Step 13: Begin your project with the yarn and needles that matched the pattern gauge.
Detailed Guide
It is usually at the beginning of the pattern, along with the type of yarn and size of knitting needle to use.
For example, a teddy bear will turn out fine even if a bit bigger or smaller than the pattern instructions, while gloves need to be sized exactly so they fit the wearer. , For a project with leeway, a 4-inch (10-cm) swatch can suffice, but otherwise, you want a sample of 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm). , Use stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl next row) for measuring knit gauge, unless the pattern's listed gauge specifically says to work the sample in another pattern, such as a seed stitch.
When making a 4-inch (10-cm) swatch, use stockinette or the listed stitch for making the entire sample. (If no stitch is listed, the listed gauge refers to stockinette stitch.) The end result will be an approximation, because stitch tension functions differently on edges than in the midst of a fabric.
When making a swatch of 6 to 8 inches(15-20 cm), work in the garter stitch for the first several rows until you have about 1 inch (2.5 cm) as border.
After that, begin and end each row with an inch (2.5 cm) of garter stitch.
In the middle, use stockinette stitch or the pattern being used by the gauge, until you're about 1 inch (2.5 cm) short of making a square.
Finish that last inch (2.5 cm) in garter stitch.
The garter stitch border will mimic how putting the stitches within the full project will affect the tension, while giving you easy points to start and end your measuring and counting. , Set a hard ruler across your swatch to count your stitches per 4 inches (10 cm).
To get the most accurate gauge measurement, wash and dry your sample before you measure your knit gauge.
The horizontal measurement is your stitches per inch.
The vertical measurement is your rows per inch. ,, If it's more than 1 stitch difference, then you probably need a thicker yarn. , If it's more than 1 stitch fewer, then you probably need a thinner yarn. ,
About the Author
Frances Knight
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in crafts and beyond.
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