Materials Intermediate
Gauge
The number of stitches and rows per inch, used to ensure your project ends up the correct size.
Gauge is the most overlooked but critical part of a pattern. If your gauge doesn’t match the designer’s, your sweater might be huge or your hat too small.
How to measure
Most patterns list gauge as something like: 20 sts and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in sc.
- Make a Swatch: Crochet a square (at least 5” or 6” wide) using the stitch and hook size recommended.
- Lay Flat: Don’t stretch the fabric.
- Count: Use a ruler to count how many stitches fit into 4 inches horizontally, and how many rows fit into 4 inches vertically.
Adjusting
- Too many stitches? Your stitches are too small. Use a larger hook.
- Too few stitches? Your stitches are too big. Use a smaller hook.