The measure of stitch density in knitting or crochet, typically expressed as the number of stitches and rows per four inches (or ten centimeters). It determines the final physical size of a garment. Makers must knit a test swatch and adjust their needle size to match the pattern's specified gauge, otherwise the finished piece will not fit.
Heard on the job
My stitch gauge is spot on, but my row gauge is a little tight so the sweater might end up short.
Insider tip
Always wash and block your swatch before measuring gauge, as many fibers bloom or stretch significantly when wet.
Also heard as
- tension