Knit Talk - Ep 28 - Can I change my row gauge without changing my stitch gauge?

[@kayladernier1314]

Thank you so much! Neither question was mine, but no sent one in about row gauge and a colorwork round yoke sweater. You’re so helpful!

[@SuddenUpdraft]

This is exactly what I needed right now. Thanks!

[@TheUnapologeticKnitter]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@wollnation]

Perfect timing for this super interesting video! Thank you so much! This was really helpful to me.

[@TheUnapologeticKnitter]

You're so welcome!

[@alaynawatson3312]

As a new knitter, gauge is something I still struggle to understand. Do you have a video where you take an example from a design and go through the steps of knitting a swatch and measuring it? I have heard that you need to make the swatch bigger than the measurements and then measure from the middle or something. I’m just confused.

[@TheUnapologeticKnitter]

Hi there! I don't yet have a video about this but I'd be happy to add it to the list! But yes, I always recommend knitting a swatch larger than the pattern calls for. Our edge stitches (if swatching flat) can have a slightly different gauge than the main part of the swatch and can throw off your measurements. I like to knit a swatch that is at least 6x6" or 8x8" so that I can take several measurements over it and average them (avoiding the edge 3-4 sts). This will give me the most accurate gauge for my project. But I'll try to make a whole video about it so we can be sure it's all clear!

[@alaynawatson3312]

@@TheUnapologeticKnitter you are awesome! Thank you so much!

[@elizabethslowik2003]

Thank you for explaining the priorities re the two gauges. Is there a time when stitch gauge and row gauge are equally important in a pattern?

[@meghanbennett6520]

So if I understand correctly, I should focus on meeting row gauge rather than stitch gauge for the shawl I'm making? Currently, I have stitch gauge met, but 6 stitches over in row gauge.

[@TheUnapologeticKnitter]

For shawls, yes, I definitely suggest meeting row gauge. While you CAN focus on stitch gauge, since both row gauge and stitch gauge impact the wingspan of a triangular or circular shawl, I've found that row gauge is more accurate to determine the full width. Your stitch gauge may be a little larger, but that's better (IMO) than having a shawl with a too-short wingspan.

[@meghanbennett6520]

@@TheUnapologeticKnitter ty so much. so, if i had more rows than gauge, it would make my shawl shorter not longer? how do i go about meeting row gauge? pick a different needle? im using bamboo right now, should i switch to a metal needle? or maybe go dowln in needle size? i already purchased my yarn, so i cant swap that. im guessing its bc im using an acrylic rather than the wool/silk yarn the pattern uses.