How to make and measure a gauge swatch

Gauge (UK: tension) is how many stitches and rows fit in 10 cm (4 in). To check it, work a square at least 15 cm (6 in) wide in the pattern's stitch, wash and dry it as you will the finished piece, then count the stitches across 10 cm in the middle. More stitches than the pattern means go up a needle or hook size; fewer means go down.

Step by step

You need: The yarn for your project, The needles or hook the pattern suggests, A ruler or gauge tool, Pins.

Cast on enough stitches. Work a square about 15 cm (6 in) wide, so you can measure 10 cm in the middle away from the edges. For knitting, add a few garter stitches at each edge so it lies flat.
Work in the pattern's stitch. Use the stitch the gauge is given in, such as stockinette or single crochet, for at least 15 cm (6 in).
Treat it like the finished piece. Wash and dry or steam the swatch the way you will treat the garment. Yarn often grows or shrinks when wet.
Measure in the middle. Lay it flat without stretching, place a ruler across the centre and count the stitches in 10 cm, including half stitches. Then count rows vertically.
Compare and adjust. More stitches than the pattern means your stitches are too small, so go up a size. Fewer means they are too big, so go down a size. Swatch again until it matches.

Working out the size difference

Finished width = stitches ÷ your stitches per cm. If a sweater front has 100 stitches and the pattern gauge is 20 stitches per 10 cm, it should be 50 cm wide. At your gauge of 18 stitches per 10 cm, it would be about 55.5 cm. The YarnPath app does this sum for you and suggests which size to follow at your gauge.

Common questions

Do I need a gauge swatch for a scarf or blanket?

Not for fit, but it still tells you whether you will have enough yarn and whether you like the fabric. For garments, hats and socks, always swatch.

My stitch count matches but my row count does not. Does it matter?

Stitch gauge matters most, because it sets the width. Row gauge matters in patterns that give lengths in rows, such as raglan sleeves; there, work to the measurement in centimetres instead of the row count.

How much does half a stitch matter?

A lot over a whole garment. At 20 stitches per 10 cm, a 100 cm chest is 200 stitches. At 19 stitches per 10 cm, the same 200 stitches make about 105 cm.

Stuck on this step? In the YarnPath app you can photograph your work and the coach tells you what went wrong and how to fix it. Get YarnPath

Updated 5 November 2026.