Crochet Gauge: everything you need to know

Excited to dive into your crochet project? Before you begin, let’s talk about the essential first step: making a crochet Crochet Gauge.

While it might feel like an extra task, creating a Crochet Gauge is invaluable for gathering key information.

Why is it essential? Here’s what a Crochet Gauge helps you achieve:

  1. Ensure the hook size is right for your yarn.
  2. See if you like the chosen stitch pattern.
  3. Calculate stitches and rows per piece in your project.
  4. Estimate the yarn quantity required.
  5. Test the yarn’s properties, including color and texture.

What’s a Crochet Gauge?

What is?

A Crochet Gauge is a small crochet sample, typically 6×6 inches (15×15 cm). It’s worked with your chosen hook size and stitch pattern to help you measure stitches and rows. Aim for a square that lets you count stitches and rows over a 10 cm² area for accuracy.

Tools you’ll need:

  1. Pencil and paper
  2. Ruler or measuring tape
  3. Calculator
  4. Your Crochet Gauge

Adjusting to specific measurements

If you’re adjusting a pattern for a larger or smaller size, use your Crochet Gauge for precise measurements. Count stitches and rows in 10 cm, then divide by 10 to find stitches per centimeter. Multiply by the measurement needed for your project.

Tips for Accurate Sizing

Hay que dejar descansar la muestra 24 h. con el fin de que se asiente la trama del tejido.

Calculating stitches and rows

Here’s how to calculate the exact number of stitches and rows:

  1. Count the stitches and rows in 10 cm width and height.
  2. Divide by 10 to find stitches or rows per cm.
  3. Multiply by the desired width for stitches and height for rows.

Te lo explico más fácil con un ejemplo.

Example

muestra crochet ancho

muestra crochet largo

Let’s say your Crochet Gauge has:

  • Width: 10 cm with 17 stitches → 1 cm = 1.7 stitches.
  • Length: 10 cm with 10 rows → 1 cm = 1 row.

Now you know the quantities that fit in 1 cm. But how many stitches do I need to start crocheting?

With a simple multiplication you will obtain the number.

Look at this model:

sweater con medidas

Data of the measures taken:

For a 31 cm wide piece

Width: 1.7 stitches x 31 cm = 52.7 stitches (round to 53).

For a 37 cm long piece

Length: 1 row x 37 cm = 37 rows.

If the result isn’t exact, round up if decimals are above .5 or down if .5 or lower. If your stitch pattern has a repeat (e.g., multiple of 3 plus 2), adjust the stitch count to fit the repeat.

Fantasy Stitch Example

punto fantasia crochet ancho

Data of the measures taken:

Width: 10 cm with 20 stitches → 1 cm = 2 stitches.

To reach 31 cm in width:

Width: 2 stitches x 31 cm = 62 stitches.


If the stitch pattern requires multiples of 3 + 2, divide by 3 to check for even multiples and add 2 stitches if needed.

So, 62 p.…………. Divided 3= 20.66 p. (You will only take into account the integer 20, which will represent the multiple you are looking for)

Now multiply 20 x 3= 60 p.

And to that result you will add 2

60 + 2= 62 p … Just what you needed to get started!

What do I do when it’s not accurate?

Example:
If the measurement you needed was…
32 cm……………. 2 p x 32 cm = 64 p
64 p.……….. Divided 3= 21,33 p.
21 x 3= 63 p.
63 + 2= 65 p.

In this case the result exceeds by one point the amount you need for the width of the garment, so it would be just a little bigger.

Also evaluate the closest lower multiple…

20 x 3= 60 p.
60 + 2= 62 p. In this case the result is 2 points less than the amount you need in the width of the garment, so it would be just a little smaller.

punto fantasia crochet largo

Data of the measures taken

Estimate the length

10 cm…………12 rows
1 cm…………12 h. / 10 cm = 1,2 r.

What you need:

Calculate
1 cm…………1,2 r.
37 cm…………1,2 r. x 37 cm = 44,4 r. (Round 44)

In this case, the fantasy stitch is completed with 2 rows of height, therefore, you will not add or subtract anything to the result obtained, because 44 is a multiple of 2.

Now that you have all the information necessary to do the calculations, all that remains is to sit comfortably and knit what you imagined.

What will you crochet next? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

Share your work!

If you crochet this pattern, follow me on Instagram and tag your finished project! You can find me at @crochet_al_cuadrado or #crochetalcuadrado. I’d love to see your creations!

Like this pattern? If this guide helped or inspired you, feel free to share this page with your crochet friends to help the blog grow!💟

A hug and let’s knit! Love, Myriam.

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