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Yes, Row Gauge Matters

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secrets of row gauge: yes, it really mattersMost 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.]

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Add a Little Lace to Your Knitting Patterns

If you’re new to lace knitting or just aren’t sure how to incorporate the technique into garments, check out these tops and sweaters that use lace as a decorative element.

The easiest lace out there is eyelets, and you can practice them plenty with this eyelet covered sweater from Knitcro Addict. It uses light/DK weight yarn and is worked in four pieces knit flat. It’s intended to be a little cropped and a little oversized, and includes sizes XS to XXL in the pattern.

If you’re in parts of the world where it’s getting colder as you read this, the Nora sweater from Bummbul might be a good choice. This is actually a great one for learning lace because it’s worked in super bulky yarn, which makes it easier to see what you’re doing and makes the lace super graphic. This one just comes in one size, with a 42 inch (106) cm bust, but that could fit a variety of people depending on how much ease you like.

Minimi Knit Design has a cute allover lace cardigan worked in one piece from the bottom up. It’s worked in lace weight mohair held double, which maybe isn’t the best for those new to lace (because it can be hard to rip out) but it sure is pretty. Sizes range to fit from 30 to 66 inches/76 to 168 cm bust measurements.

If you’d rather not have lace all over your sweater, you can knit the Lumi sweater from Originally Lovely, which has a chevron lace pattern on the yoke and is otherwise worked in reverse stockinette stitch. (It’s worked inside out so you don’t have to purl every stitch.) The pattern has 9 sizes from XS to 5XL and uses worsted weight yarn.

Or try the super romantic sookie blouse from Trust the mojo (available on Ravelry). This sweet top is started working flat from the bottom up and has a V-neck and I-cord edgings. The sleeves are worked separately in the round, and the pieces are all joined together to work in one piece to finish off the top. It comes in eight sizes and is available in English and French.

You can also pair lacy sleeves with an otherwise plain top, like on the Starflower Wrap from Annelise Driscoll Gingrow. This intermediate pattern makes a wrap sweater with generous lacy sleeves and a double wrap belt. The pattern has nine sizes, from XS to 5XL, and is available for free from Hobbi.