Gauge Problem Solver

Pattern Gauge

Stitch count

Row count

Your Swatch Gauge

Stitch count

Row count

Step 1. Do your stitch counts match the pattern?

Is the Swatch Too Loose or Too Dense?

Is the swatch too loose?

Next, determine if your swatch is too dense.

Try another yarn that matches the weight–length ratio (yardage per ball) given in the pattern. Swatch again. ❓

Try another yarn with a matching weight–length ratio so it’s closer to the pattern’s recommended thickness. Swatch again. ❓

Go a needle size down and swatch again, trying to knit with a slightly tighter tension. ❓

Option 1. Go a needle size down and swatch again.

Option 2. Try a different yarn that has slightly less yardage per 50g skein—about 5–10 yards less than the yarn recommended in the pattern.

Go a needle size up and knit a new swatch. ❓

Your yarn might be thinner than the yarn recommended for this pattern.

Option 1. Try a different yarn that matches the weight–length ratio given in the pattern.

Option 2. Use a larger needle and knit a new swatch.

Proceed to check the row gauge.

Tips

Simplest solution 1: if you have a 1-2 stitches less - go a sweater size down.

Simplest solution 2: if you have a 1-2 stitches more - go a sweater size up.

For adventurous beginners (not novice): check out the gauge converter tool by Ashley Lillis. You can learn about it on YouTube here.

Step 2. Did you meet the row gauge?

Do you have more rows or fewer rows than the pattern?

Check your stitch gauge (if not done already) or continue with the pattern.

2–4 Rows Off: This is quite common. You can usually follow the pattern as written.

For adventurous beginners (not novices): If your row gauge is significantly off, you can knit to the required garment length and ignore row count. Otherwise, consider re-swatching or adjusting your approach

Option 1: You might be knitting too relaxed. Try re-swatching and adjusting your knitting style or tension.

Option 2 (for adventurous beginners, not novices): Work through the pattern following the required length and ignore row count.