The correct size of your finished project depends on your gauge. It’s important to check your gauge by making a small sample or swatch before starting any pattern. You need to work at exactly the gauge the pattern requires in order to reproduce it accurately.
Gauge is composed of 2 parts: stitch gauge and row gauge. Stitch gauge is the number of stitches in a given length of a row. An example would be 4 stitches per inch. Row gauge is the height of a number rows. An example would be 3 rows per inch.
Gauge depends on the size of the hook, the size of the yarn and the tension of your stitches. And yes, your stress level can affect the tension of your stitches! The hook size suggested for your pattern is just a place to start. You may need to work your stitches more loosely or tightly to get the gauge needed. When working at the correct gauge you should be able to insert the hook in a stitch comfortably. If you can’t, try a different hook.
Make several swatches until your stitch gauge is correct. (It’s always a good idea to purchase extra yarn ahead of time to ensure that you have extra yarn for making your swatches.)
The row gauge is important also. If you repeatedly obtain the stitch gauge but can’t quite get the row gauge, you can usually adjust lengths as you work.
Make a test piece which is at least four inches square, using the hook and yarn specified in the pattern. To determine your gauge when you’ve completed your square, lay the sample on a firm flat surface. The diagram below shows how to place the pins and ruler or a gauge marker to count the stitches to determine the gauge in a 2″ square.
If your sample has more stitches between the pins than the number needed, try the swatch again, using a larger hook. If your sample has fewer stitches, use a larger hook. The size of hook you use isn’t important, as long as your sample ends up with the same number of stitches specified in the pattern.
Place a ruler or a metal gauge marker on the sample. Insert pins 2″ apart. Count the number of stitches between the pins. Now measure and mark 2″ in the other direction to determine the number of rows worked.
