BASIC TECHNIQUES
F
or great results from your crocheting,
it’s important to make sure that you
are working to the correct tension.
The tension you need to work to is usually
stated in a crochet pattern, and a yarn’s
typical tension is usually on its ball band.
Before starting any project, it’s a good idea
to make a small square with the yarn, often
called a tension square or swatch. Some
crocheters see this as a chore, but it’s vital if
you want a garment that fits well and looks
fantastic. If your tension is too tight, your item
will be smaller than the designer intended; if
your tension is too loose, you’ll find that the
item is too big.
HOW TO MAKE A SQUARE
To make a sample square to check your
tension or gauge (as it’s called in the US), use
the yarn and size of hook that the pattern
states. Most often, you’ll find that the
instructions given are for a 10x10cm (4x4in)
square, but to correctly measure your
tension, we recommend that you make a
square that’s at least 15x15cm (6x6in) in size.
Check the yarn’s ball band to see how many
stitches you’ll need to make a square that’s
15x15cm in size.
When you’ve completed the square, lay it
on a flat surface, as pictured right, and gently
smooth it out, being careful that you don’t
distort the stitches.
STITCH TENSION
First, work out the stitch tension. Use a pin as
a marker and insert it vertically between two
stitches. Then, using a rigid ruler, horizontally
measure 10cm (4in) and place another pin in
the fabric. Count the number of stitches
between the two pins and if your tension
corresponds with that given in the pattern,
then you can start crocheting.
However, if you have more stitches than is
stated in the pattern’s tension guide, it
means that your crocheting is too tight, so
try making another square using a hook that
is one size bigger. If you have fewer stitches
than is stated in the pattern’s tension guide,
then your tension is too loose, so crochet
another square using a smaller hook.
ROW TENSION
To check your row tension, insert a pin
horizontally and measure 10cm (4in)
vertically, then insert another pin. Count the
rows between the pins and if they correspond
with the pattern, your row tension is fine. If
they don’t, but your stitch tension is correct,
the easiest way of getting your row tension
right is to alter your ‘Golden Loop’. This is the
first loop pulled up after inserting the hook in
the stitch – making it shorter or taller will help
you get the right row tension. If your row
tension is only slightly out (e.g. half a row in
treble crochet or one row in double crochet),
it shouldn’t make too much difference to the
final item, especially as most patternsinstruct you to crochet as many rows as you
need to achieve a specific length. However, if
your tension is a bit out, you may end up
needing more yarn than stated in the pattern.FOR A DIFFERENT YARN
Another time when a tension square is
necessary is if you have an old pattern that
was intended for a now-discontinued yarn
and you want to make the item in a yarn of the
same weight. For example, if you want to
make a jumper that was made in DK, buy a
yarn that’s the same weight (the information
on the ball band should help you) and work a
tension square until you get the tension
stated in the pattern.Top^
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TENSION SQUARES
For the best crochet results, it’s important you check your tension