Why gauge matters
With chunky yarn, a single stitch makes a big difference to the size. For example: a 42½ in sweater at a gauge of 6 stitches to 4 in takes 64 stitches. If you get 7 stitches to 4 in, those 64 stitches measure only about 36½ in: 6 in smaller than planned. A swatch also shows whether you like the fabric: neither stiff nor too loose.
How to knit a gauge swatch, step by step
- Use the same yarn and needles you'll use for the project, and the stitch the pattern gives (usually stockinette).
- Cast on enough stitches for a swatch at least 6 in wide: the pattern gauge × 1.5, plus 4 edge stitches. With FACES at 6 stitches to 4 in, about 13 stitches.
- Knit at least 6 in high. If the pattern is knitted in the round, swatch in the round too: gauge changes.
- Bind off loosely, wash and dry flat, exactly as you'll treat the garment. Wool relaxes when wet and the measurement changes. See how to wash and block chunky wool.
- Measure in the middle, away from the edges, with a rigid ruler. Count the stitches across 4 in and the rows over 4 in, including half stitches.
What to do if your swatch doesn't match
| Your swatch | Means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| More stitches per 4 in than the pattern | You knit tightly: the garment will come out smaller | Bigger needles (one US size; with super bulky yarn, two or three) |
| Fewer stitches per 4 in than the pattern | You knit loosely: the garment will come out bigger | Smaller needles |
| Stitches match, rows don't | Common for many knitters | If the pattern gives lengths in inches, it's fine: knit to the measurement |
Change your needle size, not the way you knit: it's far more reliable.
Gauge of our yarns
| Yarn | Needles | Stitch | Gauge in 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| FACES (7 oz / 109 yd) | US 19 (15 mm) | Stockinette | 6–6.5 sts × 9–10 rows |
| FACES | US 17 (12 mm) | Garter stitch | 8.5 sts × 12 rows |
| FACES | US 15 (10 mm) | 2×2 rib | 8 sts × 13 rows |
| BeMe (3.5 oz / 131 yd) | US 11 (8 mm) | Stockinette | 12 sts × 16 rows |
| NOVA (1.75 oz / 164 yd) | US 17 (12 mm) | Stockinette | 6 sts × 11 rows |
| CROCHET CRUSH (raffia) | US E-4 (3.5 mm) hook | Single crochet | 16 sts × 18 rows |
These are the gauges from our patterns; yours may be half a stitch either way. To switch to another yarn, see how to substitute yarn in a pattern.
Tips for chunky yarn
- Measure the whole swatch and divide. At 6 stitches to 4 in, half a stitch is about ⅓ in: measure the full width of, say, 12 stitches and work it out.
- Count the Vs, not the gaps. In stockinette, each "V" is one stitch.
- Don't stretch the swatch while measuring. Lay it on the table without pressing it flat.
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FAQ
Do I really need a gauge swatch?
For hats and scarves you can skip it. For sweaters and fitted pieces, yes: it's the only way to get the size right.
How big should a gauge swatch be?
At least 6 × 6 in, so you can measure 4 in in the middle without the edges.
Do I have to wash it?
Yes. Wool changes size when washed; if you measure it unwashed, the garment may change later.
Which matters more, stitches or rows?
Stitches: they decide the width. Rows can be adjusted by knitting to the length in inches.