GAUGE

Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per cm in a piece of crochet or knitting. The number of stitches is affected by various factors such as yarn weight, hook size and whether you are a tight or loose stitcher.

All of these factors will affect the finished size of your project. Checking your gauge is an important first step if you want to match the gauge used in a pattern or you are substituting with a different yarn and want to ensure it matches the designer’s yarn choice as closely as possible.

While it’s not crucial to match gauge exactly for items such as blankets, where a few centimetres difference will not affect your finished project, it is important to match gauge when making garments or items that are required to fit a certain measurement.

The first step in checking your gauge is to make a swatch in your chosen yarn, using the same hook size as stated in the pattern.

Gauge is usually measured over a 10x10cm (4x4in) square, but to get an accurate stitch count your swatch needs to be bigger than this. Therefore your swatch should measure at least 15x15cm (6x6in) and be worked using the same stitch as used in the pattern.

It is also important to note if the pattern states whether the gauge was checked before or after blocking. This will affect your final stitch count so do the same as stated in the pattern.

Lay your swatch on a flat surface. There are two different ways to mark out the area to be measured. You can either use a ruler or tape measure, or a gauge tool if you have one, see Tools and Equipment chapter.

If you are using a tape measure or ruler, lay it over the swatch and use pins to mark out a 10cm (4in) square.

If you are using a gauge tool place this over the top of your swatch, making sure that it is held straight and lined up at the start of a stitch and row.

Count exactly how many stitches and rows are within this square. This may mean that you will be counting partial stitches or rows. It is very important that these are also included in the overall count.

Compare your gauge to the pattern. If it is exactly the same then you don’t need to make any changes and you are ready to begin. However, if yours does not match then some adjustments need to be made.

If you have:

• More stitches or rows: This may mean you are a tight stitcher. Increase your hook size – go up one hook size and re-measure until you have matched gauge.
• Fewer stitches or rows: This may mean you are a loose stitcher. Decrease your hook size – go down one hook size and re-measure until you have matched gauge.