Most of the time when we care about gauge at all, we knitters tend to fixate on stitch gauge, that is, the number of stitches per inch. Ensuring that stitch gauge is the same as the pattern calls for means we’ll end up with a garment that’s actually the size the pattern says it will be (which in turn means it will fit us or the desired recipient).
We’re not usually as careful when it comes to row gauge, but that can cause problems if it’s wildly off.
Patty Lyons recently shared her secrets of row gauge, and why it’s important to hit row gauge, too (spoiler: sleeves).
I particularly like the reminder that if you really want your knitting to be accurate, you’ll measure your blocked swatch for row gauge and count rows instead of measuring the knitting on the needle when you need to work to a certain length. I don’t know that I’d ever actually do that, but it is a super smart idea.
Do you care about row gauge? Ever been burned by a gauge problem? I’d love to hear about it.
[Photo: Patty Lyons.]
