Knitting Instructions: Gauge in Knitting
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Gauge: Gauge is the measurement of your knitting work in the needle size you use and the type of yarn you use. You will have a different gauge depending on the yarn and the size of the needles. Gauge is usually tested on a swatch using the stockinette/stocking stitch which is knitting on one side and purl on the other side. Different knitters may have different size or gauge results because they knit more tightly or more loosely than others. It is important to check that your gauge is going to be the same gauge that is required in your pattern so that the size of the completed project will be correct.

Gauge in Yarn: Here is an example of gauge on a skein of medium weight yarn:

Find the gauge box on the band around a skein of yarn. This reads: When you stitch a square sample with U.S. #8 needles (5 mm needles), that is 17 stitches long and 23 rows high, you should get a sample that measures 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in size. This gauge information is based on the type of yarn and the size of the needle used. You want your yarn’s gauge to be very close to your pattern’s gauge (pattern gauge explained below).

Gauge for Pattern: Here is an example of testing gauge for your pattern:

Pattern Instructions: Use size 8 needles or size needed to obtain gauge. Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette/stocking stitch.

Find the needle size and gauge instructions on your pattern. This reads: Start by using size 8 needles and stitch a sample that is 18 stitches wide and 24 rows long in stockinette/stocking stitch. When you are done, measure the square to see if it is 4 in. wide and 4 in. high. If your square is larger than 4 inches wide and 4 inches high, try again with a smaller needle size. If your square is smaller than 4 inches wide and 4 inches high, try again with a larger needle size. You can keep trying with different needle sizes until you get the 4 x 4 inch square. This is why your project instructions may say this about the needles, "Size U.S. 8 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge."

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