The Knitters Bible1

|_GAUGE (Tension)

At the beginning of any knitting pattem, the designer will State the gauge (tension) that you need to achieve and this is used to ealculate the fmished dimensions of the garment. It is a very important part of knitting and is the number of stitches and rows to lin (2.5cm).

If you do not get the correct gauge (tension) the garment will not be the correct size. Morę stitches to lin (2.5cm) and the garment will be smaller; fewer stitches to lin (2.5cm) and the garment will be bigger. A tight fitting sweater may end up big and baggy.

In knitting pattems, the gauge (tension) is given over 4in (lOcm).

For example, 22 stitches and 28 rows to 4in (lOcm) measured over stockinette (stocking) stitch on

GETTING STARTED

Knitting a gauge (tension) square

size 6 (4mm/UK8) needles. You must work a square of fabric measuring at least 6in (15cm), using the stated yarn, needle size and stitch. You can then measure the fabric in the middle of the sąuare, avoiding the edge stitches which will be distorted.

/ Knit Perfect

Many knitters do not check their gauge (tension) because they think it is boring and a «. waste of time and yam.They assume that they have the same gauge (tension) as the designer but this is not necessarily the case.

B/eryone holds the yarn at a different tension when they knit this makes the stitches tighter or looser than someone else knitting exactly the same yarn on the same size needles.

To knit a gauge (tension) square for stockinette (stocking) stitch cast on the number of stitches stated for 4in (lOcm) plus 10 extra stitches.

1    Work in stockinette (stocking) stitch for at least 6in (15cm) and then bind (cast) off loosely.

2    Steam or błock the square m the way that you will use for your fmished project (see page 66).The knitting pattem will tell you whether to błock the pieces or not.

3    Lay the square on a fiat surface wrthout stretchmg it. Place a ruler horizontalfy on the square and place a pin four stitches in from the edge and place another at 4in (I Ocm) from the first pin.

4    Do the same for the rows by placing the ruler vertically. keeping away from the cast on and bind (cast) off edges. which may puli the fabnc m.

5    Count the number of stitches and rows between the pins and this will be your gauge (tension):

Too mony stitches means that your stitches are too smali; you need to use a size larger needle to make the stitches bigger and so get fewer to 4in (I Ocm). Too few stitches means your stitches are too big; you need to use a size smaller needle to make the stitches smaller and therefore get morę to 4in (I Ocm).

6    Work morę gauge (tension) squares until you achieve the gauge (tension) stated in the pattem.

If the gauge (tension) is quoted over a stitch pattem like a lace stitch. cast on enough stitches to work complete repeats. For aran pattems. cast on enough stitches to work all the different cables.

Checking your gauge (tension) will save you time spent unravellmg your work and starting again. and it means the difference between a perfect garment and a disaster!

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