The Complete Guide to Knitting Gauge, and How to Measure It



It is the tendency of every human being to get a perfect result. Most knitters have their own style of working. As a knitter, you might hear the term ‘gauge.’ It refers to the number of stitches per inch. Whether making a cozy sweater or a stylish hat, understanding a knitting gauge is crucial for the project's success. This blog will answer all your questions regarding the knitting gauge and provide the steps to measure it.

Let’s go through it in detail.

What do you mean by knitting gauge, and why is it required?

Have you read the instructions on the patterns, ‘make sure to knit a gauge swatch?’ Yes, several times, because it plays an important part in the project. In simple terms, the gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch in knitting. It is calculated by counting the stitches on your knitting needles across the number of stitches divided by the sample width in inches. The knitting gauge measures the tightness or loosening of your knitted garment.

Some people knit; loosely, and some tightly. If your knitted swatch matches the pattern instructions, it implies you have achieved the desired result. Sounds complicate? Not at all. Ignoring means the outcome of your hard work is disastrous. For example, if you are planning to knit a sweater and the gauge is tight, the result would be a small sweater, and if the knitted sweater is loose, the result would be a loose gauge. Whether you use your own design or someone else’s patterns, the gauge swatch should match as closely as possible. It's not difficult at all; if follow it correctly.

What are the factors that affect the knitting gauge?

There are a few factors that affect the knitting gauge. These are the following:

  • Yarn weight

It is an important factor; with thick yarn, you get loose stitches, while thin yarn makes them tighter.

  • Knitting needles

If you use a bigger needle, you get bigger stitches, and with a smaller needle, you get a tighter one. So, choosing suitable knitting needles or crochet hooks is always a difficult task for many.

  • Knitter’s tension

Some knitters knit loose others knit tight, this will significantly affect the gauge.

How do you measure the knitting gauge?

Don’t think it's boring to knit a swatch. Why? It will give you an idea about the actual project. For the best result, first knit a small square shape swatch using the same yarn, needle, and pattern that you would like to use in your final project.

Let’s learn how to knit a gauge swatch

  • First cast on the number of stitches; make sure to add a few extra stitches to your gauge swatch. For example, 10sts and 15 rows.
  • Rather than casting 10sts, let cast on 16sts, and have three stitches bracket on both sides. Remember to mark with the stitch marker.
  • Instead of knitting 15 rows; knit at least 20 rows or so.

Once you complete the knit swatch, wash and block it. Now, get ready to measure the gauge swatch.

How do you measure it?

  • Lay the swatch on the table, don’t stretch it.
  • Then, place a needle view sizer on the knitted swatch.
  • Use a stitch marker to mark 4 inches in the middle of the swatch.
  • After that, count the number of stitches in the 4-inch section and the rows.

Congratulations! The pattern gauge matches the gauge swatch.

Tips/suggestions for the perfect gauge

  • Use the same yarn that you will use in your final project; if unable to find the same, then, try using a similar one.
  • The knitting needle must be the same as the one that you will use in the rest of the pattern.
  • If you want to use knitting stitches like stockinette in your final project, then, you must use the same stitches for the gauge swatch.
  • Finally, wash and block the gauge swatch in the same way as you do for your final project.

In the knitting world, the gauge is like an extra sauce that helps you determine how it tastes. In the same way, the gauge ensures that your project is a perfect fit. Once you have the right gauge swatch with you, it is easy for you to design the project as per the pattern instructions.

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