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Understanding Crochet Gauge and How to Measure It

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Have you ever crocheted an adorable child’s sweater, hat or other masterpiece only to discover that the finished item is way too small or way too large?  Nothing can burst that accomplishment bubble quite like a wonky finished object can.  We are going to remedy this predicament today, folks, as we discuss crochet gauge.

Crochet Gauge

Understanding Crochet Gauge and How to Measure It

What is gauge?

Crochet gauge is directly related to how loosely or tightly you crochet when compared to other crocheters. If you crochet very loose, your gauge (and therefore your entire finished work) will be much larger than someone that holds their yarn very tight.  As such, crochet gauge correlates directly to the number of stitches in a given area of your work.

Typically 4″ square, the gauge of a pattern (if listed) tells you how many stitches the pattern designer used to get 4″ across and then how many rows it took to obtain 4″ in height.

Why is crochet gauge important?

In some crochet patterns gauge is unimportant. Say a dishcloth, a hair towel, one of these Scentsy car tin holders etc.  It doesn’t really matter if my dishcloth is an inch or three too large, a dishcloth is a dishcloth is a dishcloth. Gauge is very important, however, when crocheting something that will be worn or something that needs to end up a specific size.

If a gauge is listed in a pattern, it is wise to complete a gauge swatch.  I know, I know… I hate doing them too. A necessary evil in some projects unfortunately.

How to measure your gauge

Simply crochet until you have at least 4″ wide, then continue crocheting in rows until you get to at least 4″ square.  Lay your crocheted piece out – trying not to stretch it – and count how many stitches there are within 4″.  Then turn the measuring tape perpendicular and measure how many rows you have within 4″.  How does that measure up to the stitch count in the gauge listed on the pattern?  Are you close to that magic number or are you way off?

How to Measure Crochet Gauge

To adjust your gauge to match a pattern…

If a designer has 11 stitches and 18 rows in a 4″ square piece, while I had 16 stitches and 23 rows, I know that I crochet much tighter than the designer.  Therefore, I need to adjust my tension (or hook size) to more closely resemble that of the pattern.  Do you have too many stitches? Go up a hook size and try again.  Do you have too few stitches? Go down a hook size and try again.

It is better to do one, two or even three gauge swatches that take five minutes each as opposed to crocheting an entire child’s size sweater that could fit an American Girl doll.  You feelin’ me?

More crochet tips before you go!

How to Crochet the Invisible Decrease for Amigurimi Crochet
How to Change Colors in Crochet
How to Create Planned Yarn Color Transitions in Crochet
18 Craft Fair Tips for Beginners: How to Run a Successful Craft Show Booth
Foundation Single Crochet: How to Video + Why You Need to Learn
How to Add a Zipper and Lining to a Crochet Bag

How to Change Colors in Crochet

Comments

  1. Jeanie says

    Thank you so much for this excellent article! So, I did my first gauge swatch for a sweater. The pattern gauge says 16 hdc in backloop + 14 rows = 4 in. My 16 hdc measures 4" across, but I only needed 8 rows to make it square. Help! what do you recommend? TIA for any advice... This is a sweater for my adult daughter, size S. Using organic cotton sport weight-- it might be slightly thicker than the Aran the pattern used.
    Reply

  2. Beverly Ondarcho says

    Oh my so many new methods now so much that I find it hard to understand and remember the different & efficient stitch methods! Do you have a suggested book that gives just new methods for crochet and knitting? I’ve looked but most just explain stitches for patterns in books. Also because there’s “Utube videos” people don’t have knitting classes etc. for us to learn. I’m not a beginner more intermediate so I just can’t remember as eSily when I RA’s young. Haha
    Reply

  4. Carrie says

    The yarn is threads and loops folklore size 4 but the yarn thread seems thick. The gauge is 12 std to 4inches which I have, but number of rows is smaller than the ten for four inches required. I am two rows short. Do I go up a size or down, knit loosely? The fabric seems stiff, not loose and flowing almost like I was crocheting a rug. A bit dense. Not tight. Maybe I need to save the yarn for a blanket and get a different yarn? I wanted to make a mommy and me hedonist houseboat for cool summer evenings and occassional light cool rainy summer days too hot to wear a coat.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Carrie! You can go up a hook size or two, and down a pattern size. Gauge swatch you would then be aiming for would be 10 sts across and 10 rows for a 4" square. However, if you're looking for an excuse to go buy new yarn, then by all means, go forth and buy! LOL! Hope this helps. Happy crocheting!
      Reply

  5. LuAnn says

    Thank you so much for the free patterns. I love your designs and have started 3 of them. I simply love that you share your creativity with all. I did purchase the pcc, but had to let you know how much you are appteciated.
    Reply

  6. Connie says

    I checked my gauge and it was spot on however the back of the 12 month sweater should be 10 inches across and mime is 14. Makes so sense! Any ideas?
    Reply

  8. Lynda says

    First off, thank you for sharing this pattern (Unicorn sweater), I can't wait to start it. I was wondering if there was a way to print it out? I would like to have it on paper so I can take it with me where ever I go while making it.
    Reply

  9. Brett says

    I'm making a pair of socks right now, where the pattern does not specify a gauge. What I did was went with the hook the pattern called for (even though I know I crochet much tighter than the average person), and when I saw that the beginning of the sock was looking awfully small, I went up a couple hook sizes and now the sock is looking like it will fit me. What do you do when a pattern should have a gauge, but does not? I'm hoping there is an easier method than what I had to do. Thanks!
    Reply

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