What is Gauge and How to Check It
In knitting patterns there are a few important things to check. First you need to look at the yarn recommendations. Then there’s the needle size and type. But next you should also look at the gauge. But what is gauge and why does it matter?
What is Gauge?
Knitting produces a woven fabric made by creating a series of loops. These loops can be tightly woven, or loose. The gauge is how to measure the tightness of these loops. Gauge combines the yarn weight, or thickness, and the needle size, or diameter, to give you the tightness of your resulting knitting.
When explaining the gauge of a project, you will be given a stitch count and a row count. These are generally measured in one, two, or four inch squares.
Let’s take my Bjorn’s Hat has an example:
Gauge: 18STS X 14 Rounds = 2×2 inch square, in the cable pattern.
This means that 18 stitches gives you two inches of knitting. So if you need to adjust the fit of the hat by an inch, you can do the math and figure out that it’s about 9 stitches per inch. The hat is knit in the round, so 14 rounds will give you two inches of height on the hat. This helps you adjust the fit and feel of the hat while also maintaining the pattern.
Why Does It Matter?
Gauge matters because it determines the size, shape, and drape of a finished knitted item. This is especially important in wearable projects like hats, socks, sweaters, mittens, etc. Everyone has their own level of tension when they knit. Someone who knits a bit more tightly, might need to size up a needle to maintain the right gauge.
Ignoring gauge can lead to a project not fitting. Personally, gauge is a helpful tool but not something that I check super often. Some knitters will warn about not following gauge, but for me the biggest risk is a bit of wasted time and some frogging.
Frogging is when you have to rip out what you’ve knitted. The joke is “rip it, rip it” sounds like “ribbit, ribbit” from a frog.
What Does Gauge Mean to a Beginner?
If you are new to knitting, I’d recommend getting a tool to help measure your tension. Tools like this one are handy for checking the size of your knitting needles (not all are marked), checking your yarn weight, and measuring your gauge. So it’s an all around handy tool. Sometimes these rulers are sold separately, some are metal, so look around and find something that speaks to you.
If you don’t have the money for an additional tool, you can most definitely use a ruler you have around your home. And if you save your yarn labels, your yarn weight shouldn’t be hard to remember.
Beginner projects tend to be flatter, easier knits where gauge won’t be a huge factor. If you are knitting your first scarf or wash cloth, do not let this measurement hold you up. You need to get a few projects under your belt to be able to get a feel for your tension. And you might still be learning new skills. A project or two from now, you might find a completely different way to hold your yarn.
Think of gauge as a guide. It’s there to tell you a little bit more information about how the fiber artist or designer intended the finished project to look and feel. If it’s a tad bit off, the chances are you will be just fine. If you are looking for more knitting definitions, terms, or skills explained, check out my glossary.
