What Is Gauge and Why It Matters
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in a measured section of knitting or crochet, typically measured over 4 inches (10cm). It's the single most important factor in determining whether your finished project will be the right size.
Consider this: if a sweater pattern calls for 5 stitches per inch and you knit at 5.5 stitches per inch, that half-stitch difference means your 40-inch chest sweater will actually measure about 36 inches. That's a full size smaller than intended.
For blankets and scarves where exact dimensions are flexible, gauge is less critical. But for garments, hats, socks, and anything that needs to fit a specific size, gauge is non-negotiable.
How to Make and Measure a Gauge Swatch
Cast on enough stitches for at least 6 inches of fabric (more than the 4-inch measurement area). Work in the stitch pattern specified by the pattern for at least 6 inches in height.
Bind off loosely, then wash and block the swatch exactly as you plan to treat the finished project. Some yarns change gauge dramatically after washing — especially cotton, which tends to grow.
Lay the swatch flat on a hard surface without stretching. Place a ruler horizontally across the middle (not at the edges, which tend to curl). Count the number of stitches across 4 inches. Then turn the ruler vertically and count rows over 4 inches.
For the most accurate measurement, count to the nearest half-stitch. If you see 18 stitches over 4 inches, your gauge is 4.5 stitches per inch.
Adjusting Your Gauge
If you have more stitches per inch than the pattern calls for (tight knitter), go up one needle or hook size and swatch again. If you have fewer stitches per inch (loose knitter), go down one size.
Sometimes it takes 2–3 swatches to match gauge. This feels tedious, but it's much faster than ripping out and reknitting an entire sweater.
Some knitters find they can match stitch gauge but not row gauge (or vice versa). Stitch gauge is almost always more important because most patterns adjust length by measurements rather than row counts.
Resizing Patterns to Your Gauge
If you simply cannot match gauge (some yarn and needle combinations just won't cooperate), you can resize the pattern mathematically.
The formula is: New stitch count = (original stitch count ÷ original gauge) × your gauge. For example, if a pattern says to cast on 100 stitches at 5 st/inch, and your gauge is 4.5 st/inch, you'd cast on: (100 ÷ 5) × 4.5 = 90 stitches.
Our Gauge Calculator handles this automatically, including stitch multiple rounding, so every recalculated number works with your stitch pattern.