Why I NEVER Get Gauge & How My Sweaters Still Fit Perfectly 🧶✂️ tips and tricks for the perfect fit

[@fabigrossi2976]

I just stumbeled over your channel. I don't know most of the knitting terms in English, so I don't know if you can help me that much, but I absolutely love your quiet, soothing and friendly manner, so I'll definitely leave a comment for support. Hello algorithm! 😊

[@ginninadances]

Exposure and repetition are a good thing. It's okay to ask questions. Even if you think it might be something extremely basic. I've found a lot of the people who are knitters are really nice people.

[@Yarntalesandthreads]

@@fabigrossi2976 thank you so much for your kind comments. I really do appreciate them. Sometimes knitting, learning about knitting, it’s just watching what others do, we don’t always have to know the English terms.

[@dianaeussen8799]

Dear Mark, To help me remember what neadles I used in the swatch, I make some holes in the swatch. For example, if I use 4,5 neadles, I knit 4x (2 stitches together, 1 yarn over) and one purl. When I switch neadles in the swatsh, I add one row of purls and make some new holes to point out the new neadle size in the next row.

[@jojojo8835]

Genius! 👏🏽🫶🏼😍

[@tonipidsadnick5149]

Good morning Mark, from a little town near Niagara Falls Canada. I've been knitting for over 50 years. It was wonderful to travel with you vicariously to your stops overseas. How wonderful to see the amazing things in your videos. Mark, I lost my dear hubby just a few weeks ago. I think that your KAL will be very good in helping me to get back to some kind of structure. I have a large stash and have yet to pick out the colours, but I have the cardigan pattern and hope to get the swatching done over the next week. You've helped so many people, as evidenced by all the positive comments. I just wanted you to know that your KAL came along, at a time in my life when I needed a project with such great support. Thanks so much for all your hard work. Best wishes to you both!

[@cindicokeley1575]

I am so very sorry you lost your husband. What a kind and positive comment to Mark, clearly uplifting to him when you are the one in pain. Warmest regards to you from a fellow knitter in West Virginia.

[@lynnewillette2654]

I’m sorry for your recent loss. I’m replying because I was born in Niagara Falls and lived there for 30 years. I too have knit for over 50 years and I like watching Mark’s videos. I wish you well.

[@tonipidsadnick5149]

@@cindicokeley1575 Thanks so much for taking the time to create a reply/comment❤

[@tonipidsadnick5149]

@@lynnewillette2654 Thanks so much for your condolences. Knitters are the best 💜

[@tonipidsadnick5149]

@@cindicokeley1575 Thanks so much for taking the time to create a reply/comment❤

[@lillywiller262]

Hi Mark, I have changed my way of swatching completely. I cast on 28 stitches, knit 4 rows of seed stitch, then work 20 rows in stockinette with a seed stitch border of 4sts on each side. Then I work another 4 rows of seed stitch and bind off or push sts to stitch saver/ waste yarn. This gives me a rectangle of 20 stitches by 20 rows, which I can measure out in a very exact manner (using the metric system helps, too). With the rule of three I cam then define a usually very odd decimal set of numbers for my stitch and row gauges. After washing and blocking I measure and calculate again - receiving the set of data I need for the comparison to the data of the pattern. I find this method easier, as I don't have to guesstimate whether I see half a stitch, two thirds of a stitch or one quarter of a stitch on the 10cm-mark - I know I have 20 stitches, so I just need to measure... 7.4cm, 8.6cm... a lot easier to read than increments of stitches. And then 20/7.4 x 10 or 20/8.6 x10 etc for the comparison of pattern gauge 😊

[@Roadrunner9265]

I've never seen an in the round swatch done like this, it's a game changer thank you. :)

[@natalieglickman1445]

What a clever way to knit a swatch “in the round”! I am so glad I stumbled upon this video. Before I always was so reluctant to knit a swatch in the round because of all the dangling strands and the edges being very loose.

[@LornaMJackson]

Thank you for your demo of swatching in the round. I've knitted for decades but have never known how to do this 😊

[@FuzzyBunnyofInle]

I'm so happy I found your channel! It's encouraging me to pick up knitting again. I like putting you on while I'm doing other things. It's like having a friend over who talks mostly about himself, talks constantly on top of that & is totally oblivious to anything I say in response. So, just like having my friends over.😂

[@judithcarter7898]

Just saved this podcast….I’ve been knitting for years and years and I learned sooooo much…..Thankyou for sharing and teaching me! I’m so excited to use it!

[@sandracroley9784]

One of my strengths is my willingness to learn and be open to new ideas I've been a knitter for decades, and first thought to skip this episode...but figured to just watch and see what you had to say. Well, I've never seen that technique for swatching in the round!...I can't wait to try it 😊...thanks 😀

[@shaynaformity1384]

same!

[@mojadaka1074]

I did the same thing to check out the pattern. His sweater is GORGEOUS.

[@Knitting_in_seattle]

Same!

[@caravancrafts1332]

You are so good at describing things clearly. Well done and thank you. Also love the tip regarding knitting from an extra long loop on alternate rows of ‘in the round’ swatches… very useful.

[@sarahpeddie1917]

I have never wanted to spend time on guage swatches. I have also ended up with many projects that I wasn't happy with. I watched this video and now I'm looking forward to doing a guage swatch on my next project. You have convinced me of the benefits. This is the first time I have come across your videos. I really enjoyed it so I am a new subscriber 😊

[@Katepwe]

First time seeing you…..great information! “The gauge THE DESIGNER achieved with that size needles”, that’s precisely what knitters to keep in mind. The gauge in the round technique is brilliant!

[@NatsAstrea]

This is such an informative video - especially for me, because I hate math and get confused very easily, even with pen, paper, measuring tools, and calculator handy. You're a much better math teacher than my childhood helpers (who shall not be named!)

[@winterrain1947]

Okay, here's me able to do some pretty high level math. But for knitting it doesn't matter how good you are at math. Yarn, like life, is unpredictable, and sometimes I think your mood or even the level of humidity will make the size of the stitches change. Where knitting is concerned, my math skills kind of go out the window.

[@4layinghens167]

I've just come across your channel and so happy I did. Your calm and clear way of explaining things is FABULOUS! I am so happy to have found your channel. Thank you for this video. It has helped me tremendously.

[@anniecambridge1714]

What a wonderful teacher you are, so clear and precise. Thank you very much.

[@MakerMarkKnits]

That's so kind of you, thanks!

[@devoted2knit177]

Mark, your voice is soothing and your delivery is so easy to follow. Thank you again.

[@marcelaalvarezgonzalez6428]

Great explanation. Makes things clearer and better. Thanks

[@robyartist1]

Oh my! Your Field Sweater is absolutely beautiful!!!!!

[@StickToYourKnitting]

So, I’m listening, I promise, but the moment I saw your Field Sweater, I had to pause you, race over to your Ravelry page and favorite that knit. WOW, does it look cool with your yarn choices. We might be twinning in the near future! 😂💖 Thank you for directing me to Knitter’s Kitchen! My goodness, that calculator will be a game changer for me! 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@StephanieSims-nm1sw]

I'm currently knitting the field sweater, it's absolutely gorgeous. If you do make it take care to make the grains loosely otherwise they are really difficult to knit the stitches together when you decrease them. The design is beautiful and I'm knitting it in a sort of ginger autumn colour. Happy knitting.🤗

[@StickToYourKnitting]

@@StephanieSims-nm1sw Thanks for the tip! I’m going to enter it into the comment on the saved pattern. It is in my queue, and I hope to get to it before the end of 2025!

[@leylamoossavi]

I’m new to your channel but an experienced knitter. I am learning a lot and enjoying your voice/presentation of content.

[@marycullen6410]

Omg THANK YOU. This has answered questions that I have had for years. Saving for future reference!

[@shaynaformity1384]

Thank you so much for walking through the steps of how to determine which size to go up to. I've seen other youtubers say "you can go up a size," but when I followed the calculations for the pattern I'm working now, I actually have to go up 3 sizes. You saved me many hours of frustration!

[@xXKimmyXx1202]

You are an angel Mark! Thank you for taking the input from the swatching talks and making such an indepth video! ❤

[@dawnwilley6464]

This is one of the best instructional videos I’ve watched! Thank you Mark for taking the time to share this. I will be returning again and again for more content. You definitely solidified my need to swatch and block❤️❤️

[@xvgarnet]

I've watched many videos about this, however this is the one that I've liked the most. It is so well explained and you also give us some tools to use! of course your soothing voice makes everything 10 times better.Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@naomiroyle9637]

Brilliant!! One of my very innovative knitting friends showed me how to knit across using that "inside" piece of yarn. I needed this for socks. It solved a major reinforcing problem. I'm so thrilled to see it in a You Tube video!! Thank you so very much! Loved this episode because I'm planning to knit my first real sweater. I have knitted a couple of tunics, but my friends keep pushing me in the "real" sweater direction. One block I have is that I like fine knitted sweaters, but I don't knit very quickly. Amazing to watch you knit! I do mix my knitting style to ease hand pain by using English or Continental. I even have a knitting belt which I love. (My hand issues arose from a different craft.) Thanks for all you share!

[@valentinaionescu6355]

Fantastic explain, clear and superb pointings that helps so much. A big thank you and compliments for your work&sharing ! ❤👏🏼☘️

[@zananna]

Thank you for this very helpful video. Your sea glass swatch is so beautiful! I can't wait to try that.

[@Yarntalesandthreads]

I just subscribed. I like your comments on gauge. I dont always use gauge but i measure a lot and try on. So far it works for me.

[@DenyseMathiasBrisa]

Okay. I have only watched 7 minutes so far and had to stop to subscribe and comment on how much I'm enjoying your explanation. It's so calm, step by step. I'm just wetting my feet with knitting, and this is it. I will watch all your videos on my journey. Thank you very much. Have a great 2025, sir!

[@maryoconnell35]

Hi I'm new to your channel and I have only got to see two of your episodes(I plan to watch some more) Thank you for this super tip with saving the yarn by measuring when we change a row, I am new to knitting and I love how you explain everything simply, please continue to include beginners when you do new episodes.

[@pinkyknitter9667]

Great over view and thanks for the info on the Knitter’s Kitchen blog!!

[@selkins521]

Thank you Mark - I have learned so much from this video. I am new to your channel and really enjoying catching up. You're my new favorite knitting channel :)

[@rachellarsen9614]

Just remember, if the pattern has you measure the yoke length before splitting, but you are using a different size based on gauge, use the depth measurement from the pattern size that is true to your measure rather than the size you are following. The larger pattern size will have a longer armhole depth for example, so you need to use the armhole depth for your actual size so it doesn't get too big or small.

[@elizabethherman6822]

I'm going to watch this video again. There's so much important information in it. Thanks Mark!

[@forgiven212]

Thank you so much for taking the time for your teachings! Your love for the craft and for our knitting community shows through this video! I appreciate you! ❤🙏❤️🧶 Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! 🙋🏼‍♀️❤ from Colorado

[@suzanneozorak1212]

Thank you Mark I listened to you all afternoon and I really enjoyed knitting listening to your comments!!!!! I needed a “pick me upper “ I am also a musician - a professional organist- and always turned to knitting to untangle all the abuse you can get from playing in churches. Thank you so much.

[@rachelchudley1527]

This was so helpful thank you . I loved how casually you talked about using a different weight yarn for a pattern . I was wanting to do this and your video has given me the confidence xx

[@diblust53]

My fool proof way to check gauge is to cast on the # sts for body & knit about 10 or more rows in the round. Adjust until you get the size/fabric desired. Then while knitting the actual sweater I check row gauge when it is plain stockinette. Adjust row counts as needed.

[@maribethclark2798]

Please, how do you adjust row gauge?

[@diblust53]

@@maribethclark2798 Exactly the same way as stitch gauge. If row gauge is 30 and you have 33, divide 30 by 33 and it gives you the difference ratio. Apply that to the rows given on pattern to tell you how manyrowsto add

[@maribethclark2798]

@@diblust53 thanks

[@lesliemccann628]

Genius!!!!

[@margaretmartha3530]

Hi Mark, FB sent you to me! How lovely it is to listen to you. Just so you know, I rarely get gauge and have always made it up. Your explanation was very clear. Thanks so much and Happy Knitting.

[@AgelessLady]

Your explanation is so to the point. I always hated swatching in the round.

[@AngelaRoberts-n7x]

This was very informative, as an experienced ‘Old’ English knitter most of the patterns I have used have been knitted flat but as most are now knitted in the round this was very helpful. Thanks Mark ❤

[@sylviemimichevol3567]

It’s the first time ever I watched one of your videos, and I loved it. I really enjoyed your quiet and clear way of explaining things. I’m a fairly experienced knitter by now, but still found it really interesting to hear the way you approach things. Thank you!

[@LordRubino]

So inspirational. Great tips. I'm so envious of your craft! I'm just a beginner and i find all of this sooooo complicated and overwelming. But your videos are so great and keep me inspired. Grazie! 🙏🙏

[@MakerMarkKnits]

Thank you so much! I'm glad it's a helpful resource 🙂

[@missybiblio4673]

Hinestly this is one of the most helpful videos I've found on KZbin for this. Just subscribed!

[@MakerMarkKnits]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you!

[@deborahlee4941]

Richard had a great suggestion. I'll try that the next time I have to swatch in the round. Many thanks.

[@novisaganesan]

Omg this video was so helpful. I love how you explained everything so clearly and calmly

[@amandakeltner5401]

I started knitting November 2023 and have been obsessed. I have made 10 garments so far. I have only swatched when I did a couple test knits. I am perfectly happy learning about my personal tension and knit style as I go through a project. Doing the swatches actually makes me lose excitement for the project. I’m alright knowing I might have to frog something. It’s all part of the fun knitting experience. ❤

[@Palouseweaver]

Thanks for the detailed information on gauge swatches. I’m a loose knitter, tried to change that, but it made my hands hurt. So I just accept that I’m going to have to modify what I use for needle size. I’m going to try your circular method today 😊 Cheers from Washington.

[@elysemelon]

I'm glad you spoke about using yarn that is a different weight than what is listed. I have been burnt out by a sweeter knit on weight 2 yarn and definitely need to think about this next time i pick something up. I really love the sweater but it has definitely been a labor.

[@annzbikowski4198]

I will get a lot of knitting done this next week. Waiting for Helene to make up her mind about Florida . Rain rain and more rain. Thanks for being there for company and comfort😅

[@anniekoch7250]

Thank you so much Mark for this explanation about gauge. I am making a cardigan with different yarn from the pattern, and have just been guessing and hoping it will work out ok. Quite unnerving. So now I can work it out before I get too far along, and do whatever I need to do. And relax about it! Cheers, Annie

[@marjoriebahm9239]

Thanks Mark. Lots of good info. You make it look so easy.

[@Craftingbug92]

I just ran across this and thought it was cool that I just started the flax worsted last weekend.thank you for all your help

[@lindas.patton7552]

I just found you. I love how you explain things. Take care.

[@susiedisney2527]

Good idea about the swatch with a cable stitch. Thanks for the heads up!

[@brdl1474]

Fantastic video, thank you! I am just knitting some swatches for my next project, the swatch-knitting for knitting in rounds comes in handy. Never seen that before! The Seaglass sweater will be one of my next projects, your swatches are soooo beautiful!!!

[@Oo_Nicole_oO]

Thank you! This is realy helpful! Now I understand why swatching is so importent!

[@jilliankonig2759]

That different method of faking "in the round" on a swatch also helps create a flat swatch, because sometimes I would create a length behind the swatch that ended up not being long enough after a lot of rows are knitted in the swatch. The caveat is that you need to estimate much longer than you think you'll need the first time, so that you won't run out. Once you have a better feel for how many times the width you need, you can use less yarn for that loop. Nice to see a magnifying stitch gauge! I also mark each end of 4" with tapestry needles on each end, then take the ruler away, and count the number of stitches. As for color choice for seaglass, the only thing I found was that I was unhappy when a color drew too much attention and created a dotted line of that color across the sweater. For my second Sea Glass, I paired fingering with Silkpaca to get gauge.

[@annachristopherson7161]

I started doing this faux round swatch technique about a year ago. What I ended up doing b/c of length guessing frustration was to knit that first row after cast-on, undo it and measure length of yarn needed for that row. Then I add the width of my metacarpal spread. This way it is comfortable to hold yarn until the last stitch and this uses the least amount of yarn.

[@jasminenoack]

So what I do for this is that I just measure 3 times the length of the swatch each time. It takes a second but it usually is almost perfect for me.

[@shmafamily]

This was super helpful. Thanks for taking the time.

[@gunvorstorck]

What a great, instructional video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!🥰

[@JaneODonohue]

Thanks so much for your info on knitting the Seaglass cardi with fingering weight yarn. My friends and I are doing a KAL at the beginning of November and I'm going to knit mine using my huge stash of leftover sock yarn. KZbin suggested this video today and I'm so glad to have found your channel ❤

[@Paula-tf3zv]

Wonderful video! I hope I can adopt this approach and drop my 'wing it' style. I've come back to knitting after about 3 decades away, and you are inspiring me to do better! ☺

[@irisdown9758]

If my experience with making swatches is anything to go by you may as well stick to winging it. How can a swatch a few inches wide apply to a garment say 22” wide? Holding the weight of knitting has to make a difference for one thing.

[@geririckard167]

What a great video! I like your style and I am so happy to have found your channel!

[@jwerry7306]

You are an amazing teacher….also to start a new project look at the yarn characteristics of the yarn used in the projects then pick a like yarn then another hint is work the number YOs for the size needle that u are using to knit your swatch. Hope this helps. Keep knitting keep podcasting the knitting world needs u!!

[@vindeljay]

I already knew all this, but it was really good hearing it again, good for learners.

[@sandravt2168]

New subscriber here! I'm a crocheter who's exploring the world of knitting and this was so very informative. Looking forward to all the other knowledge you're about to share with us! Many thanks from Munich.

[@pobblebok5476]

I am a new knitter. This was wonderful. Thank you.

[@leonorsepulvedalosada1176]

You are a VERY good teacher. Thank you. ❤

[@bennetdl]

Hi Mark! I thought you did a great job of explaining guage and the importance of getting the correct guage before starting a sweater. I’m fairly new to your channel and very much enjoy your videos especially the ones talking about your music career. I look forward to going back and viewing more of your videos. Wishing you all the best! Andrea (knitter from Springboro, OH)😁

[@MakerMarkKnits]

Thank you SO much :)

[@Tri_AgainProject]

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'm very short with "non-typical" proportions, so fitting is an area I've avoided & why I don't knit with sticks. This video has me reconsidering…

[@dianaeussen8799]

by the way, I love to watch your videos while knitting. Your voice sounds soothing.

[@JoColours]

Thank you so much! This was incredibly helpful and you're a great teacher.

[@maud2rolland348]

Very bright idea !

[@gailmacpherson2538]

Love to listen to you,such a soothing voice 🤩

[@painteroflove]

I found it on Raverly !!! I watched your sweater selection video and the "How to navigate Ravelry." Have not been there in YEARS... They still had my info, yay. I'm going to get the Field Sweater pattern as my FIRST sweater (I know, I know, but no worries, I like learning the hard way, lol. I cannot fail as long as I'm learning! But... I will not "fail" because I"m blessed to be able to accept a lot of imperfection). Next up I'm going to watch your "How KNITTING saved your life" video because... I'm THERE. Seriously, I NEED the knitting and crocheting. 👍

[@nicoleiannuzzi449]

Hello! I just came across this video and immediately became a subscriber!!! Thank you for really explaining things for a beginner! I am a crochet crafter for years but want to be comfortable and successful in knitting. I have only knit a few very easy products. Thank u!!

[@sionameghen7033]

Found you because of your This Is Knit episode (I’m from Dublin)…this is extremely helpful, thank you. I’m a beginner knitter. Will be stalking all your other videos now!!

[@luludesjardins]

Thank you so much for sharing. It’s exactly the information I was looking for. I find that the worsted weight yarn I bought for a project is actually a bit lighter than the worsted weight yarn I worked with 20 years ago.

[@juliewilliams8884]

I favour knitting pieced sweaters so rather than knitting a swatch I knit a sleeve. This allows me to have a decent amount of knitting to measure and I get to know the pattern. It can be put on spare yarn when several centimetres have been knit, washed and blocked. I find it gives a true measure of gauge. And it's not too much knitting to rip back if the gauge is way off.

[@elysemelon]

I have only ever ordered from kelbourne woolens online. Its lovely to see all these options! I am in NJ but have been looking to expand visits to lys! Thanks!

[@jenniferwiltrout1975]

Excellent information Mark. Your instructions are precise and so eay to follow. Thank you!

[@HollyDodge-m5f]

Thank you for showing how you hold the 2 strands. I’ll keep practicing!

[@raganmasterson5566]

I don't usually swatch a top-down sweater when several sizes start off with the same stitch count and increase rate. In other words, I often see that many sizes begin the exact same way with the exact same stitch counts and the instructions only differ much further on. I simply start knitting on the stitch count that covers the range of sizes that I might expect to fit into and then I use the knitting I've done so far as my swatch and proceed with the sweater size that will provide the result I want. I make all the same adjustments you recommended if my gauge is off but I do it based on the yoke I've knitted so far instead of a swatch. I will soak and block, say, the first 4-5 inches of yoke knitting on some barber cord and then follow the correct instructions once they start to diverge later on in the pattern. Kind of a 'Choose your own adventure' strategy where I don't need to see the exact destination when I begin.

[@tianna1116]

This sounds good but requires some learning

[@MichiaMakes]

This works beautifully when you are a little adventurous and never a “regular” size (read larger than a B cup in my case), but no one, and I mean no one, hits the exact regular size. Some are longer in body, shorter in body, full body, lean body, etc. and we should all expect to make adjustments for good fitting. ❤

[@MichiaMakes]

Also, you’re clearly not a beginner (or you’re brave as hell …so m not too timid). Do you know the Sweater Math rules? If you learn this, you can make any sweater with any yarn to any measurements. It’s a lot measurements and a bit of connect the dots and done maths. No difficult math, but I suggest using a calculator for more precision if you’re dealing with inches. While I am in the US, I switched to all metric for my makes whether knitting, crocheting, or sewing. It’s just easier than trying to remember the digital conversion for things like 7/16ths of an inch. 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@okaminess]

Thanks for this. Getting gauge is tough. I’m one of those people who also has trouble with staying grounded in the recommended pattern gauge.

[@sunnyw4148]

Haha. Swatching while watching this. Thanks for the other podcast calculator. I good way to check my figuring.

[@suzannespencer8504]

Thank you so much Mark for this video, it was so helpful to me. I'm new to your channel and I am enjoying binge watching you, again Thanks Suzanne

[@jerananelms1760]

Your knitting is amazing

[@heatherphelps3799]

I just found your channel & I’m so happy. Thank you so much for explaining gauge! I’ve always had problems with gauge but now I know how to do it correctly! 😊

[@yarnmotivated]

You are a wonderful teacher Mark. This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@DirleneSaray]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Enlightening video. Definitely, I am going to use what I learned today.

[@homegrowncozycrochet]

Thanks so much for this video! I now know exactly which size will work and can be confident even though it’s my first sweater and that when things look weird or fit funny it’s because it’s my first sweater not because I picked the wrong size. Thanks!

[@goldieyawn1706]

Enjoyed your video immensely! Thanks!

[@MakerMarkKnits]

Thank YOU!

[@Mountaingirlcrochets]

Hello Mark, thank you for all information on Ravelry and your projects.

[@LeylasWelt]

Beginner knitter over here, thank you for this video! I was wondering how to properly gauge swatch with the circular needles without actually having to knit full rounds, so this was very helpful :D

[@donnanelson2967]

Very well explained , and easily understood. Hi Mark, you’ve captured a new subscriber 😊

[@deeptigopalakrishnan74]

Hello Mark, Your this video is so beautifully explained, composed and poised. However, as a passionate knitter from 2 years, I've been using mostly superfine merino yarrn for most of my knit works Including for my nordic fair-isle patterns Hence, the swatch per the knitters Becomes obselete for me What I do is, I measure for an 1" x 1" swatch, the no of knits Take my measurements Multiply or divide accordingly to how many knits I'll need in a row and height So it's completely my calculation. For SF Merino, preferably smaller needle sizes And so its purely my calculations there 😊

[@melanieopperman6688]

Thanks for all the helpful tips.

[@Richard_Szobi]

Great video as always. Thank you. I'm pleased you like and use my recommended swatching method. ❤

[@karencarlisle3592]

This idea is brilliant and I can't wait to try it! Thank you both!