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Hey there!
Have you ever wondered what to do if you don't meet the gauge of a pattern? I wanted to talk about how to adjust your hook size to meet that gauge.
What is gauge?
Gauge is how the crocheted or knitted fabric is measured. It means that you crochet or knit according to the pattern a 4in x 4in (10cm x 10cm) square, for rows, to see how many stitches per row you have. This is directly related to tension. If you have tight tension, then you will likely end up with more stitches per row. Your rows will also likely be shorter as well. If you have looser tension, you will end up with less stitches per row, and your rows will likely be a little taller. The gauge is very important when makes garments because the math throughout the entire pattern is based on that initial gauge.
How to adjust hook size to meet gauge?
The first thing you have to determine is will you meet the gauge using the hook listed in the pattern? You will need to work up your gauge swatch and it will need to be larger than the 4in x 4in (10cm x 10cm). The reason it needs to be larger is because the edges aren't the best place to measure since you will having turning chains or other straightening measures. It is best to measure gauge in the center of the swatch. It sounds so tedious, and it is, but it is better to know your gauge when working a project than to just wing it. Especially, for garments that are supposed to fit a particular way.
Gauge swatch has less stitches than the pattern gauge.
If your gauge swatch has more stitches per row than the pattern indicates you will need to go down in hook size. Depending on how much you are off from the pattern gauge will depend on how many sizes to go down. For example, you may only need to go down half a size instead of a full size.
Gauge swatch has more stitches than the pattern gauge.
If your gauge swatch is smaller than the pattern it indicates you will need to go up in hook size. The same thing applies as above, depending on how much you are off from the pattern gauge will depend on how many sizes to go up. For example, you may only need to go up half a size instead of a full size.
Gauge swatch does not meet the same rows as the pattern gauge.
This is not as simple to adjust as just changing your hook size. This is the measurement where your tension really comes into play. If you have tighter tension, your stitches will likely be shorter since the stitch is more compact. If you have looser tension the opposite is true, your stitches will likely be a little taller since you aren't pulling the yarn as much. To adjust this takes more effort since you will have to adjust how you normally crochet. One tip is to make sure that your golden loop (the loop created during yarning over) is adjusted to make the stitches either taller or shorter. If you pull the golden loop tighter, it will cause the stitch to be shorter. Likewise, if you leave the golden loop looser, it will give more space and height to your stitches.
I hope that you found this helpful! Happy Hooking!!
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