Sunday Patterns

Why gauge is important so you don't ruin your knitting & crochet. And exactly how to get correct gauge.

📌 Make sure to save this post as a reminder for your next project!

So you just spent the last 2 months working on a sweater. It seems a little small, but you used the recommended yarn and needle from the pattern, so what could go wrong?

😣 Your item could turn out the complete wrong size and not fit at all! After putting in all of that hard work for months -- learning the stitches, dedicating your time. All for it not to fit.

So, how do you avoid this?
Make sure you're getting the right gauge!

🧶What is gauge?
It's the scale of the knit/crochet stitches so your item turns out the right size.

🧶 Do you ALWAYS have to get gauge?
Sometimes gauge is more critical on some items. Things that require a good fit -- like a sweater or a hat. And the bigger the item, the more impact it will have. So for something like a sweater, it could completely make it unwearable.

On the other hand, for something like a scarf or a blanket, if the size is a little off, it won't matter too much as long as your gauge is close.

🧶 How do you get the correct gauge?
Make a swatch in the recommended stitch and measure it. If you're off, then first change your needle/hook size up or down accordingly and re-swatch. Repeat if needed. Then start changing your yarn weight up or down as needed. Re-swatching each time until you get the recommended gauge.

🧶Does everyone swatch?
No. Some people love to live dangerously.

🧶 Can I just knit/crochet tighter or looser?
No, you won't stay consistent and will drift back to your normal tension.

🧶 Which is more important: using the recommended yarn/needle/hook size, or getting the right gauge?
Getting gauge. Yarn/needle/hook sizes are just suggestions to get you started.

🧶 Why do I need to measure gauge if I'm using the recommended yarn/needle/hook?
Because everyone knits/crochets with a different tension. Yours may be very different than the pattern designer.

Do you always make a swatch or do you live dangerously?

P.S. If you like knit and crochet tips like this, I have a new crochet course coming out next week! Make sure you're following me to hear when it's available to start.