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It's All in the Gauge
by Tiffany Wright
For many beginning knitters, a dishcloth or some similar small, square object is the first project. The knitting pattern is easy to follow and the knitting stitches are simple. The finished product has no seams and no curves.
It seems simple, doesn't it? Yet, even for something as simple as a dishcloth, gauging your stitches is important.
Quite simply, the gauge is the number of stitches you take to produce one knitted inch. The stitches per inch multiplied by the number of inches will determine the size of the finished product.
Some people knit with a tight stitch. Some people knit with a loose stitch. If they both follow a knitting pattern without first determining their gauge, one will end up with a finished product that is too small and the other will end up with one that is too large. The knitting patterns are gauged on an average knit stitch, using the knitting yarn specified in the pattern.
On every knitting pattern, you will find the gauge for the pattern; i.e., "Gauge: 9 sts = 2 in." The pattern is measured so that if the knitter stitches (on average) 9 stitches every 2 inches, the finished product will be the desired size.
Here's the really important thing about gauge:
The swatch must be made using the needles and yarn that you will be utilizing for the project.The gauge swatch must be in the pattern stitch specified.Make the swatch when you are comfortable and at ease (in other words, in the type of environment and mood you are usually in when you are knitting).Make the swatch at least 4 inches wide.Don't try and count the stitches per inch in the swatch itself - measure the swatch, count the total number of stitches and divide by the number of inches to get the average number of stitches per inch.
The added benefit of using the same knitting needles, yarn and pattern stitch as you will be using in the project is that you can get an idea of whether or not you even want to do an entire project!
Any swatch that is less then 4 inches wide will not give you an accurate gauge. You should make a gauge swatch even if the instructions don't call for it; that is, if you want the finished product to be anything close to the specified size!
Cast on 4 inches worth of stitches and work even in the pattern stitch for 4 inches. If the gauge is 5 sts = 1 in, then cast on 20 stitches for your swatch. When you measure the swatch, you want to be careful that you don't distort the fabric and throw off the measurement.With the side that will face out (the side people will see, in other words), lay the swatch on a flat surface. In the middle of the swatch (not at the top or the bottom), measure across the piece, gently uncurling the side edges if necessary. It should measure 4 inches.
What do you do if the swatch doesn't measure 4 inches? If you're under 4 inches, use larger needles; if you're over, use smaller needles. Then make the swatch again. Do this as many times as necessary until your swatch measures 4 inches.
Experienced knitters know that it's necessary to check the gauge again. After you've knitted your piece for about 2 inches in pattern stitch, spread it out and measure the total width again. If your needles aren't long enough to make the project lay flat, spread a portion onto a smaller-size circular needle so you can measure the gauge flat. If the width is correct, then you can continue on in confidence!
About the Author
Tiffany C. Wright is an enthusiastic homemaker and mother. She has been doing knitting instruction for over 20 years. She loves knitting and fabric shops, but has a particular weakness for Red Heart yarn.
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