Tips

3 Ways to Match Gauge for Machine Knitters

January 17, 2023
6 comments

Follow Knit it Now on Follow

Most knitting patterns are written for a specific yarn and are designed at a set gauge.

In order to use the pattern you must match the designer's gauge with your yarn and your knitting machine.

That means lots of swatches.

Not matching gauge can lead to disappointment with knits that didn't come out to the correct size.

It's critical to take time to knit as many swatches as necessary to match gauge

Scroll down: 3 ways for machine knitters to match gauge:

*Even a small difference in gauge can make a BIG difference in finished size*

All patterns are Free
for Paid Members

Why bother with MATCHING Gauge?

Use the Knit it Now Customizable, Perfect-Fit, Machine Knitting Patterns and
USE YOUR GAUGE!

ANY Machine | ANY Yarn | ANY Gauge

Claim a FREE pattern

Note: The data-parent attribute makes sure that all collapsible elements under the specified parent will be closed when one of the collapsible item is shown.

1Traditional machine knitting swatches | measure with a ruler

Isolate a specific number of stitches and rows as you knit your swatch
Use a ruler and measure the dimensions
Calculate the stitches and rows based on the measurement

Adjust your machine tension and keep knitting swatches until your gauge matches

Measure and calculate

2Traditional machine knitting swatches | measure with MK Gauge rulers (scales)

Gauge Rulers (Scales)

Member bonus:
Print your own gauge rulers

3Measure 4" square (no math method)

Break the traditional machine knitting rules and mark the DESIRED GAUGE as you knit.

Place a 4" template over the marked section to determine if your gauge matches the pattern gauge.

**Stitch Gauge is close - but the row gauge is off**

4" square template fits in the marked section. Success!
Marked gauge matches the pattern gauge

For my tool, I cut a 4" x 4" square of quilters template plastic (readily available at craft stores) to create my Handy-dandy tool. Because it's see-through, I can see my marked stitches and rows on my swatch.

You could use a square of any material (cardboard, paper, clear plastic of any kind). You will be amazed at how much easier it is to measure gauge with no math (for both hand and machine knitting).

Machine Knitting

3 Ways to Match Gauge for Machine Knitters

It's critical to take time to knit as many swatches as necessary to match gauge

Why bother with MATCHING Gauge?

ANY Machine | ANY Yarn | ANY Gauge

Sorry

Looks like that page did not work