What gauge means
Gauge (called tension in the UK) is how many stitches and rows fit in a set width, usually 4 inches or 10 cm. A pattern written for 20 stitches per 4 inches will come out the wrong size if you get 22.
How to knit a swatch
- Use the yarn and needles for your project. Cast on enough stitches for about 6 inches (15 cm), for example 30 stitches at a pattern gauge of 20 per 4 inches.
- Work in the pattern stitch for about 6 inches. Add a few garter stitches at the edges so the swatch lies flat.
- Bind off loosely, then wash and dry it the way you will treat the finished piece. Many yarns relax or shrink when wet.
How to measure
- Lay the swatch flat without stretching it.
- Place a ruler across the middle, away from the edges, and count the stitches in 4 inches (10 cm). Count half stitches too.
- Turn the ruler and count the rows in 4 inches.
- Measure in two or three places and take the average.
Gauge & cast-on calculatorOpen the calculator
Turning gauge into stitches
Divide your stitch count by 4 to get stitches per inch (or by 10 for stitches per cm). Multiply by the width you want.
| Gauge (per 4 in) | Per inch | For 20 in | For 36 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 sts | 4 | 80 | 144 |
| 18 sts | 4.5 | 90 | 162 |
| 20 sts | 5 | 100 | 180 |
| 22 sts | 5.5 | 110 | 198 |
| 24 sts | 6 | 120 | 216 |
| 28 sts | 7 | 140 | 252 |
If your gauge does not match
- Too many stitches (your stitches are small): go up a needle size.
- Too few stitches (your stitches are big): go down a needle size.
- One needle size usually changes gauge by about half a stitch per inch. Swatch again after changing.
- Stitch gauge matters most for fit. Row gauge you can often fix by working to the length in inches instead of counting rows.
Gauge & cast-on calculatorOpen the calculator
Questions
How big should a gauge swatch be?
At least 6 inches (15 cm) square, so you can measure 4 inches in the middle away from the curling edges.
Do I need to wash my swatch?
Yes, if you will ever wash the finished piece. Superwash wool and cotton in particular can grow noticeably.
Does gauge matter for scarves and blankets?
Less, because fit is not critical. But a different gauge still changes the size and the amount of yarn you use.