Gauge

My lesson on learning “Gauge”:

This is very important to know, and it pops up in every pattern.  I didn’t want to learn about it but finally made myself figure out what it means.  If your “Gauge” is right, the knitting will be right.  You will need to know gauge if you want to make sweaters or bags or anything in an advanced level.  

“Gauge” means the number of stitches in each inch across your work, and the number of rows in each inch up and down your work.  There are many ways to learn about gauge: on YouTube, knitting books, or ask the experts.  The best way to measure gauge is to knit a “swatch” or a little sample of your work.  Count the number of stitches across and the rows down for every inch.




I received this fabulous article from Sarah's Knitting Tips at About.com.  You don't need to make swatches if you are sure about matching your skills with the gauge required in the pattern.  But if you are a perfectionist like me you might want to create a couple swatches before getting into any advanced projects.  Plus you can take them apart or if you have any kids that can use them to play with their dolls.