From your swatch: how many stitches and rows for a width and length, and how to match a pattern’s gauge.
What do you need?
Stitches
for
a
size
Match
pattern
Stitches for a size
Match a pattern
Stitches for a size
Match a pattern
Stitches per 4 in
Count them on your gauge swatch.
Width you want (in)
First row in
Single crochet (sc)
Half double (hdc)
Double crochet (dc)
Knit (stockinette)
Single crochet (sc)
Half double (hdc)
Double crochet (dc)
Knit (stockinette)
Starting chain
Chain 71
Stitches across
70 (20 in)
First row
into the 2nd chain from the hook (the turning chain doesn’t count as a stitch)
Estimates only: your stitch, hook and tension change the numbers. Work a gauge swatch, and buy yarn from one dye lot.
How it works
Gauge is the number of stitches (and rows) in 4 inches (10 cm) of your swatch. With it you can size anything: stitches across = width × stitches per inch.
Example: at 14 stitches and 16 rows per 4 in, a 50 in wide piece needs 50 × 3.5 = 175 stitches (chain 176 for single crochet) and 60 in of length is 240 rows. With a stitch multiple of 4 + 2 the count becomes 174.
Matching a pattern: if the pattern says 16 stitches per 4 in and chain 120 (30 in), but you get 15, your piece would be 32 in, about 6.7 % bigger. Use a smaller hook, or work 113 stitches instead.
Frequently asked questions
What does gauge mean in crochet and knitting?
How many stitches and rows fit in 4 inches (10 cm). It decides the size of the finished piece, so patterns state it and ask you to match it with a swatch.
My gauge is off. Should I change the hook or the stitch count?
For garments, change the hook or needle size until you match: a bigger fabric needs a smaller tool. For blankets and scarves you can keep your fabric and change the stitch count instead.
How do I measure gauge?
Work a swatch at least 6 × 6 in in the pattern stitch, wash or block it, then count the stitches and rows inside 4 inches, away from the edges.