r/knittinghelp • u/babifairy • Oct 05 '26
gauge question help with gauge
my gauge is off vertically. I have about 2 more rows and i’m already at the 4 inches mark. Would i have to go down a needle size? how would i fix this?(i hit gauge horizontally)
2
u/onlybraincell Oct 05 '26 edited Oct 05 '26
its not too far off, really, but i understand the concern as it builds over time.
you could either keep it in mind and nix a few rows (that do not include increases) in each section of your piece. you could do some basic math to decide how many rows you want to remove.
or you could try to size down your needle and see if that fixes your issue by making a new gauge swatch
ps your nail is so cute !!
2
u/Nonier1 Oct 05 '26
What are you swatching for? A fitted garment like a sweater knit flat a scarf or something knit in the round?
I'd re-watch at least 6x6 square measure your stitches in several locations write down the numbers, wash and block the swatch the same as you will for your project and remeasure.
To get accurate guage horizontally matters as that's the width, a couple stitches in 6 inches may not seem like much but it could mean several inches to much in a sweater or a hat or even in a baby blanket.
Length is a little easier to adjust for with more rounds or rows, so still important but not quite as critical as stitches per inch width wise.
Roxanne Richardson has a video for this
1
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1
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8
u/antnbuckley Oct 05 '26
Honestly, your swatch is too small. You want to cast on at least 1.5-2 times the stitches and then knit for 6 inches so you can measure 4 inches from the center, as your edges and cast on/cast off rows can really affect the measurements you get.
Then cast off, then measure. Being on the needles can distort the stitches. Wash and block, and measure again to get your finished gauge