How To: Measure Gauge Over Even Brioche

[@fionad9913]

The resulting row count in 21.5 per 4 inches, but in fact, you have to work 43 rows to get that result. If you know what I mean, that is, 2 passes/rows that it takes to make what looks like 1 row of brioche. I can never tell from pattern gauges which way of counting they are referring to. Help!

[@TheUnapologeticKnitter]

That's a great question actually. So, when you're working "2 passes" like this, it's still considered one "row" because only every other stitch is worked. If you think of a "brk1, sl1yo" row, only the brk1 stitches are being "worked" - they're actually being knit on that row. The sl1yo stitches aren't being knit or purled so they're not "worked", they're just slipped. The second pass completes the row by working (i.e.: brp'ing) the sl1yo stitches from the previous pass. So it takes 1 "brk1, sl1yo" row and 1 "sl1yo, brp1" row to complete 1 row. With that in mind, we only count the V's on 1 side of the work. Each V counts as "2 passes". or 1 row. That's why 43 "passes" gets counted as 21.5 rows. So when you're counting your swatch, only count the V's that you see on 1 side. That will give you an accurate row gauge.

[@sn6484]

I'm kinda new to knitting and I'm working a brioche pattern that says the gauge is 6 ribs of pattern stitch for 4 inches. Does 6 ribs mean the same as 6 stitches?

[@susanbrown8142]

I have a little question about your swatch, did you wet block or steam your swatch before measuring?

[@TheUnapologeticKnitter]

This would have been wet blocked since I then used it for a pattern. But I recommend using the method suggested in your pattern. Brioche is really stretchy so if you're doing a larger swatch or project, be sure that if you wet block, you support the fabric as you remove it from the water so it doesn't over-stretch.