The Great Gauge Project

How much does knitting gauge really vary?

Knitters have debated gauge for years and designers always bang on about it. But I haven't seen a large-scale experiment to find out what actually happens when thousands of people knit the same swatch.

So let's do it.

I'm asking knitters everywhere to knit one simple mini gauge swatch, measure it, and submit the results. Together, we'll build a dataset that shows just how much gauge varies in the real world.

If you think gauge is essential, prove it by adding your data.

If you think gauge doesn't matter, prove me wrong by adding your data.

Either way, let's replace opinion with evidence.

To take part, knit the mini swatch below, measure it before and after washing, then submit your results using the form at the bottom of this page. I'll do the rest. 

Video instructions (scroll down for written):

Materials:

Use any yarn labelled DK.

Use 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles for the main swatch.

Use a 5mm (US size 8) knitting needle to cast on and cast off.

Instructions:

Cast on 24 stitches using the larger 5mm needle and your usual cast-on method. I reccomend a knitted cast-on or cable cast-on, but use a method you feel comfortable with.

Switch to your smaller (4mm) needles to knit.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.

Row 3 (RS): Purl 2, knit 20, purl 2.

Row 4 (WS): Knit 2, purl 20, knit 2.

Rows 5 to 18: Repeat rows 3 and 4.

Row 19 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 20 (WS): Knit all stitches.

Cast off loosely using a standard cast-off and your larger 5mm needle.

Lay the swatch flat on a table (as flat as you can). Do not stretch it, pin it, or pull it into shape.

Before washing, measure the width of the centre 20 stitches and the height of the 16 centre stocking-stitch rows. Record both measurements, ideally in centimetres but if not, in inches. (see image below). Make sure you've written these down! (and maybe take a photo)

Now wash the swatch in lukewarm water with a tiny bit of hand soap.

Gently squeeze out the water. Then roll the swatch in a towel and squeeze again to remove excess water.

Lay the swatch flat to dry without stretching or pinning it.

Once the swatch is completely dry, measure it again in the same way: the width of the centre 20 stitches and the height of the 16 centre stocking-stitch rows. Record both measurements.

Most importantly, knit exactly as you normally would. Please do not try to achieve a particular gauge. The point is to measure your natural knitting style.

When you're done, please fill out the survey below.