Knitting Tools Different Gauge Rulers and How to Measure Gauge

[@nancybwilborn6752]

Very informative Barbara……the formula at the end totally made sense and I wrote it down in my knitting notebook under your section and the podcast name.😊

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yay! And I am so excited I have my own section in your notebook!

[@deliabottoms285]

I just ordered the Akerworks swatch gauge thanks to your video. I like the fact that it narrows the measurements to 4" of a single row going up and across. So much easier to count. The teeth to hold gauge in place is awesome! Whoever created this design was a genius. I do appreciate the fact that you dicussed the importance of not measuring the edges for a gauge, which is true. That's why its worth knitting a gauge of 6 or 7 inches so an accurate measurement can be done right in the center of the swatch. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate how to properly do a gauge. (I also like the fact that you showed a variety of measuring tools.) I will save this as one of my favorites!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I am glad it was helpful for you. Hope you love the gauge.

[@barbarabryan-wilson8629]

Makes sense, your handwriting is fine!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

You are too kind LOL.

[@texasmom8827]

Love your videos, Barbara! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

You are so welcome! Thank you for being here!

[@karendavis7278]

That Akerworks magnetic tool kit is fabulous! I added it to my wish list

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It totally deserves a place on the list.

[@susanbaker3078]

Thanks, Barbara! This was helpful and interesting. Best wishes 🌻

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you! You too!

[@leanneblake5773]

Thank you Barbara. I don’t think my Grandma or mother ( who taught me to knit) must have known about how to make gauge. It was never mentioned and 40 years later, I have had to learn what it means. Maybe they always just bought the exact wool and pattern to match when doing garments. You cleared up for me how the rows up and stitches across are what counts. I used to just count the stitches across and think that will do. 😉

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

So even if you have the exact wool and needles - your gauge can still be different because the third component in that is you. Everyone knits at a different tension and there is no guarantee that yours is the same as the person who wrote the pattern. "Back in the day" knitters were more comfortable/adept with modifying the pattern on the fly because they understood what they needed to do to make things fit themselves. Also, patterns were written very differently and sometimes were more suggestions than instructions LOL.

[@myphotoworldjeankd4001]

Very useful. When you showed the Acron gauge ruler on one of your past episodes I ordered it right away. I found it the easiest to use and most accurate.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I am so glad you like it. It is a great gauge.

[@margarethastings6010]

Thank you so much for this information, you made it so clear and understandable, can I just say, thank you for podcast, there so much fun and cheerful that it is a great pleasure to watch them and I always find myself laughing with you, sending blessings from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you so much and I am so excited to be chatting with you in Scotland!

[@suemettee1949]

First time going up or down on needles to get gauge - first time it made sense. Thank you!,

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I am so glad it clicked for you!

[@janedaniel7288]

Thank you for the information Barbara, very interesting video. xxJane

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@catlady743]

This was very timely for me. I'm working on some swatches for fall/winter sweaters and this video was very helpful!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

That is great! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@dorcasfields6624]

Very informative. It will help me a lot.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Glad to hear it!

[@annh.8290]

Thank you. It does help.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Woo Hoo! That's a win!

[@pamf9018]

Tha kx for the information, I been using g a 6 in ruler with tape at the 2" and 4" marks a couple of those look to be a more accurate system

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Probably, but whatever works best for you!

[@penwald8782]

Great information! Question: if the stitch gauge matches, but the row count doesn’t, what do you suggest?

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Sooooooooo, that's a complicated question and the answer is "it depends". If it is way off and you are making a fitted garment then you could run into problems. If it is only off by a bit then it may make no difference. If it isn't really a fitted item and you have plenty of yarn, it may make no difference. If you only need to shift the gauge a little bit you can try changing your needle material without changing the needle size. Meaning if you initially swatched on a wooden needle, try a metal or acrylic needle and vice versa.

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Thank you so much!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

My pleasure!

[@leanneblake5773]

I mostly knit in the round on circular needles. Is the gauge very different from knitting a flat swatch?

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It definitely can be.

[@deejcarter2003]

This was helpful. I would like a closer up when your counting the gauge because I think that’s where I’m a bit confused.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I will see what I can do. I tried to get it pretty darn close up LOL.

[@agnesadyana7344]

Thank you for sharing, if I have lower the needle or up but I can’t get the same gauge . What must I do?

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Hmmm, you might want to examine how you tension your yarn. If you are not using the right hand needle to properly set the size of the stitch moving the needle size up and down is not going to have much of an effect. You might want to check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXa7Z3mEbdRqqpo

[@heather7862]

Hi Barbara! I am working on a garment pattern that is knit both flat and in the round. I knit my flat gauge swatch and am nearing in on the portion of my garment that needs to be knit in the round. Please tell me I don’t need to knit another swatch lol.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I can’t tell you yea or nay. Your pattern should tell you if the stated gauge is flat or in the round. If it doesn’t then it is probably in whichever technique covers the majority of the project. For example a sweater with the body knit flat, seamed, and then the sleeves knit in the round. If only one, non-specified, gauge is given it’s probably flat.

[@heather7862]

@@WatchBarbaraKnit my pattern doesn’t specify what the gauge swatch was knit (flat or in the round) in. But I would say the blouse is evenly split between flat and in the round. Possibly more flat since it’s a crop top.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

@@heather7862 Then I've got nothin! LOL If I were you I wouldn't worry about it just yet.

[@heather7862]

@@WatchBarbaraKnit Haha! I think I will just continue with the same needle size for the “in the round” portion. My knits and purls are pretty evenly tensioned, so I think it will be okay lol. By the way, I love your videos!! I’ve been binge watching them😊👍

[@Uncle_Steve71]

I love mine bu knitters pride. Looks like a elephant 🐘

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Sounds super fun!