How to Gauge with Crochet + 9-Step Tutorial Series

What is gauging anyway, and why is it important? Gauging is the process of determining how to match exactly what is in a pattern to something you are making at home.

Everyone in the world crochets in their own style. Daniel is exceptionally tight in crochet, and I am really loose. It's our rhythm in crocheting. We can both make the exact same pattern, but his will be too small, mine will be oversized, and the right size is in the middle between us.

For many items, like crochet afghans and scarves, we tend not to gauge. I know I don't. If I am off by a few inches, I'm not too worried about it. However, if you are making something to wear, the gauge should be given strong consideration before you get too far into your project, as you may end up with the wrong size based on your crochet style.

Your Hands Are Not Machines

Every crocheter holds their hook differently, and the tension of the strand entering the project cannot be duplicated without telling you what to look for. This is why a gauge is required.

Mikey's personal gauge may be different from yours. However, if you know how to measure it, you can adjust your hook size to match the tension so you don't run out of yarn prematurely.

What is a Gauge Swatch?

Gauging is the act of measuring a square patch on a project to determine the stitch and row counts.

Typically, the gauge general rule is a 4" square. If a designer has changed the gauge swatch, they will usually indicate the size. Major publishers such as Yarnspirations always post their gauges on their products and patterns.

This gauge will determine if you are too tight, too loose or just right.

Where to Find Gauges

Most major box-store retailers' yarns in stores will have gauge information on the ball band. It's not just extra ink; it's important details that many new crocheters don't consider important or understand exactly what they're telling you.

The manufacturer has determined, based on quality control, that the fibres and other items are suitable for the recommended crochet hook and knitting needle sizes. Included in this area are the yarn weight class and washing/handling instructions.

The Craft Yarn Council of America has standards that most, if not all, major yarn manufacturers in North America have adopted and are provided on ball packaging. This information, being standard across yarn brands and manufacturers, makes it easier for us crocheters and knitters to avoid learning different methods of reading ball labels. Though the manufacturers compete with each other, they come together as council members to create, maintain, and make necessary changes.

For myself, I am constantly looking at this information. I am primarily looking at the recommended hook size that goes with the yarn and the weight of the yarn ball. It helps me design and consider tutorial making and more.

Written Patterns

The most important gauge is directly on the pattern. Most major publishers include this information in their written pattern.

This information tells us what the actual sample in the photograph has as a dimensional gauge. This is critical for the following reasons:

1. Will give us accurate information to get the right dimensions on the project we are working on at home.
2. It will keep us accurate to the ball counts used to make the project. If you are a loose crocheter, you will use more yarn following this exact same pattern and could run out before you finish.

How to Measure Gauge

You will use a tape measure to hold it over the swatch or partial project you are making to determine your gauge.

• Count the number of stitches that are 4" across.
• Count the number of rows that are in a 4" height.
• Cross-compare your findings to the recommended gauge and determine if you are correct or need to adjust.

How to Make a Gauge Swatch

Make a Swatch that is about 5" wide and 5" tall.

• Chain enough to extend about 5" wide.
• 1 sc 2nd chain from the hook and in each stitch across. Turn.
• Ch 1. 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn.
• Repeat the last step until the swatch is 5 is complete.

Why 5" tall and not 4" to match the 4" x 4"? You will tend to relax a couple of rows in, and your stitches will stabilize. Your project could expand or contract, and if you go an additional inch, it will adjust, giving you a more accurate reading.

How to Change Your Gauge

Other than your own personal tension, which can change the gauge, your hook and yarn substitution can change your gauge.

For example, I crochet loosely with an ergonomic hook because I am more relaxed, and it flows in my hands. With a standard hook without a grip, I am tighter.

Substituting the yarn that is recommended in the pattern will instantly change your gauge. The thickness of the yarn plies is directly related to the change in gauge. Yarns can look visually identical but behave completely differently across brands once processed through your hook.

Reducing Your Gauge

Assumption: 11 sts are across in the example.

• If you count only 8 stitches in the 4" sample and not 11. It means you are loose or your gauge is too big. Your project will be bigger and use more yarn.
• If you insist on using the yarn you selected, you will need to reduce your hook size a few sizes smaller.
• Gauge again with a smaller hook to see where you are.

Increasing your Gauge

Assumption: 11 sts are across in the example.

• If you can count more than 11, let's say 15 sts are in the 4" sample. It means you are too tight and your gauge is too small. Your project will be smaller than the designer's version.
• If you insist on the yarn you select, you will need to increase your hook size a few sizes bigger.
• Gauge again with a bigger hook and see where you are.

The Hats Shown in the Tutorial Series

Video Tutorial Series

Don't like reading. Follow along with my 9-Step Tutorial Series on tips and more for crochet gauge.