Measuring a gauge is one of my most dreaded knitting preparations. In fact, I’ll admit that I refused to measure my gauge until last year. It seemed too much trouble and I liked to just go for it. The impulse of the project quickly seemed to die if I had to “waste” a knitting session to get a gauge before I could even start the project. After ripping out countless projects, I now know the value of this step and force myself to do it. Measuring the gauge validates the needle size and yarn choice. For those of who hold our yarn in our left hand, measuring the gauge holds no different techniques from those who hold the yarn in the right. Follow the instructions for gauge as indicated on your pattern.

The basics: The pattern that you are working from will indicate the gauge that you need, usually in the form of a small grid with inches indicated on the horizontal and vertical axis. In general, make your swatch 4″ x 4″. What this means is that you should cast on enough stitches to get 4″ worth of measuring. If you cast on anywhere between 50-65 stitches you are usually well over the 4″ necessary. Just do the stockinette stitch (knit one row, then purling the next) until you have 4″ vertical (unless your pattern calls for a different stitch for the gauge swatch- read carefully). You should be able to tell where your rows are by the stitches (count the “V’s”). Get a ruler and count the stitches across for 4″ (without stretching) and the same for number of rows. This will give you the gauge. It’s best to measure on a flat section, not a curled end. Marking the beginning and end of the 4″x 4″ section with safety pins or straight pins will help you count. If you do not have the gauge they are calling for, then you may need to tighten your stitches, loosen your stitches, change needle sizes or yarn thickness.