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Knitting Guide
Abbreviations
Gauge
Conversion chart

Understanding gauge

Knitting gauge-the number of stitches and rows per inch-determines the size of the garment you are making.

This is the most important first step for your knitting project to achieve successful results in the fit of your garment.

Also, understanding gauge is the first step to learning how to design your own garments -- for example, to substitute an alternative yarn, or change the style, etc.

Knitting patterns indicate the gauge on which the sizing is based using the needle size and recommended yarn.

The gauge is usually measured on a 4" X 4" square = 10 cm X 10 cm

    1. Make a test swatch at least 4"/10cm square, using the yarn and needle size called for in the pattern.

    2. Knit the first 3 rows and the last 3 rows in garter stitch by knitting each row, and stockinette stitch in between.

    3. Knit at least 4" across and 4" long. You can bind off or slip stitches off the needle.

    4. Then measure your swatch using a ruler or knit gauge tool.

    *If the number of stitches and rows do not match the pattern's gauge, you must change your needle size.

    To get fewer stitches to the inch, use a larger needle.
    To get more stitches to the inch, use a smaller needle.


Measure

    1. How many stitches per 4"

    2. How many rows per 4"

    EXAMPLE:
      20 sts = 4" equals 5 sts per 1"
      20 rows = 3.5" equals 5.7 rows per 1"


    **You can decide to change needles to smaller or larger to achieve the correct gauge, OR **You can re-calculate the stitches/rows in the pattern by converting the stitches in the pattern to your own gauge.



KB recommends the Susan Bates Knit-Chek.



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