Yes, Row Gauge Matters

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.]

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More Tips on Getting the Perfect Knitting Gauge

The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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