Tip #2: Gauge Checking

Before I start on tip #2, I want to apologize for the delay in posts. To help myself out, let's try to get one post out a week!

Tip #2 For Beginners

Gauge is very important. I think I pointed this out in my last post. A lot of you beginners may think that it's a waste of yarn. It's not; there are quite a few ways to work that yarn into your project towards the end, if you need it that bad!

What is a gauge swatch? It's usually a 4 x 4 worked square, unless specified in the pattern instructions. It's the main determination in what size your finished project will be. It tells you if you're stitching too loose or too tightly. Let's face it; a lot of us take up crocheting and knitting so that we can make our own blankets and clothing. We eventually want to become so good, we're crafting items for others. You don't want to mess up the size of your project in that case! 

I made a pair of mittens; it was my very first completed project! I was excited about it, of course, but for another reason: this past winter, I had an awful habit of losing my gloves. They were $2.50 for two pairs but the point was that I was going back and forth, spending that amount a pop almost every two weeks! So... I got the bright idea of making my own! 
Look it; my favorite color, too! ^_^

The pattern called for a swatch but I was so excited that I didn't make one. Long story short... the mitts are a somewhat tight fit... (you can also see that the thumbs aren't the same size as well...)

So let's start checking those gauges, people! I was lucky that those mitts were for myself and not a gift to someone else!

There's two ways to measure out your gauge. Of course, you can get yourself a ruler or tape measure; both are fairly inexpensive (one of those plastic rulers can be purchased for about a dollar during the "back-to-school shopping" frenzy... just saying...). Another item you can pick up is a "Knit-Chek". I want to say that most of the major crafting brands (Boye, Susan Bates, etc.) have one. Not only will it measure out your gauge (in inches and centimeters), it can also measure out your hook size; this is a bit important for those who use acrylic or plastic hooks where the size isn't printed large enough. I had bought myself a fabric measuring tape and my sis gave me a Susan Bates Knit-Chek; both are truly handy!

That's it for today's tip, guys! Happy Crafting!

OH! Another note on gauges: patterns will tell you what gauge swatch to work. The general idea is 16-20 stitches equal 4 inches across. You could semi-cheat by working 16-20 chain stitches and measure it that way but that only measures across; it has no say in how tall your four rows will be...

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