When you’re ready to knit something where size and fit are crucial, you need to understand gauge.
Gauge(referred to as tensionin the UK) is the number of stitches and rows per inch—using stock-
inette stitch, unless the pattern notes otherwise. Different yarns knit to different gauges, the same
yarn knits to a different gauge on different sizes of needles, and different knitters knit the same
yarn on the same needles at different gauges.
A good knitting pattern will specify the gauge required
to attain the desired size or fit of the garment. For
example, it will read something like “Gauge: 20 stitches
and 30 rows to 4 inches over stockinette stitch on size 7
(4.5mm) needles.” In order for you to create the sweater
or hat so that it comes out in the same measurements
that the pattern specifies and so that it fits properly, you
need to be sure that you are knitting to that same
gauge. Though your yarn label should indicate what size
needle to use with the yarn and what the desired gauge
is, you should use that recommendation only as a guide,
as tension varies from knitter to knitter.
These three swatches were all made using 20 stitches
and 30 rows, but with different yarns and different
needle sizes. You can see how varied the sizes of the
final results are. That’s why making sure you’re getting
the same gauge the pattern calls for—with the yarn
you have chosen for the project—is so important. Even
a slight discrepancy can have a tremendous effect. A
1-stitch-per-inchdifference in gauge, over a large num-
ber of stitches, can result in a final size that is several
inches smaller or larger than desired.Getting to Know Gauge.
Understanding Gauge