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How to get gauge and the REAL reason why you are always off!

NimbleNeedles

46,774 views

A full explanation of how gauge really works and what you can do if you cannot get row gauge.
► Support me on Patreon: Patreon: nimbleneedlez

This video takes a deep dive into the workings of gauge and what can go wrong when you try to get gauge for a pattern. It shows you exactly all the little mistakes that can introduce small little changes without you ever knowing.

0:00 Introduction
0:39 5 reasons why your gauge could be off
7:05 The basis for gauge
8:15 Yarn substitution and how the yarn influences your gauge
17:24 How to knit a swatch the right way
25:15 How to block and wash your swatch
29:10 How to measure your swatch
30:50 How to get gauge
35:00 Adjusting the pattern
39:31 What to do if you cannot get row gauge?
43:10 The importance of trying your WIP on
46:59 A better way to handle gauge

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20 Comments

@NimbleNeedles Creator 1 year ago (edited) Pinned

Want to see more videos like this? Then support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez
Creating in-depth videos, like this one, would be virtually impossible for me financially without the support of my loyal patrons!

@raquellak6551 1 year ago

“block to the fabric you want to end up with” is such a simple but brilliant guideline!

@patmullenix7802 1 year ago

I am almost 80 and have been knitting for 50+ years but I find your videos so very helpful. Your explanations are clear and logical. Thank you for all you share!

@patriciacaldwell9221 1 year ago

Yes, please show us how to adjust the pattern! I have been knitting for decades and have for a long time limited my self to hats, mittens, scarves and blankets because I could never get sweaters to fit. I would love to try making sweaters again. Thanks for the video!

@cleta2045 1 year ago

Whoa. Your technical knowledge never fails to impress me.

@AmyMiller-y3f 1 year ago

Norman, I’m a relatively new knitter and this video answered so many questions for me. The examples of knitting math you used are such a great resource. Thanks for all the helpful videos. You’re a true gem 💎

@JustWriter 1 year ago

When you say that the swatches have to be huge, and you may as well just knit the project, I burst out laughing. Thank you Norman.

@knitcrochettiger361 1 year ago

i am 50 years old, i was taught since i was 6 years old how to measure with the Imperial system (inches).....four years ago (at the age of 46) i really took a good look at using inches to measure gauge and i reallized that using Imperial, you would have to use fractions....one thing, many folks in America don't like using fractions and had a very hard time studying Math because it does take finess and patience to do Math with fractions.....i learned it was easier to use Metric (cm) measurements because smaller units means you can get more accurate measureents to hit gauge....like Norman pointed out....just 3.937 inches equalling 10 cm is a huge differnce than 4 inches and your garment will be one size bigger than what you wanted...for the past 4 years i've been retraining myself to use Metric

@LakeLady1 1 year ago

Excellent! 60 yrs knitting & STILL learning from you, Norman! This was superb!

@lizholzer4930 1 year ago

Outstanding video—your very best, imo! Comprehensive, thoughtful, and super-relevant to issues that I’ve wondered about forever! I honestly think that this is the single most meaningful knitting video I’ve seen, and that even knitters who never struggle with gauge (do such knitters exist?) will appreciate the content. Thanks, Norman.

@greenpurl8482 1 year ago

Your hair and sweater today remind me of Captain Kirk from the original Star Trek series! I frogged a sweater a couple of years ago that had a serious row gauge problem. I did my best to add more rows, but it was a hot mess. My swatch indicated there would be a problem, but my more experienced knitting friends assured me that row gauge doesn't matter. WRONG! I guess sometimes we have to learn the wrong way. I would try this sweater again using the information I learned from this video. Thanks again, Norman!

@cynthiagilbreth1352 1 year ago

I always swatch, and have gotten gauge once. 😂 This video is so helpful, thank you.

@RangerMommy 7 months ago (edited)

This is why I only knit oversized sweaters with a lot of ease. Norman, thank you taking a topic that has driven me crazy for decades and making a whole video about it. You are the best and most precise OCD knitter ever! Love from Canada

@NicoleMacStay 1 year ago

This is probably the most helpful video on knitting technique I have ever watched - thank you!

@marianapinzon 1 year ago

Norman, you should write a book. I would 100% buy it

@petmom1967 1 year ago

I watch so many knitting videos. You are SO consistent and I love your explanations of technical information. I look forward to all your videos! Thanks so very much!

@Treeinwind-m6n 1 year ago

Now finally after 2 months of taking up knitting again after maybe 30:years of on and off so so knitting I know how to gauge and how to block the gauge! Thanks to you I am becoming a real knitter and have actually finished my first sweater. Thanks again for another in depth lesson. I hope you know how much you are appreciated!

@irenebiemann4413 10 months ago

OMG that was BRILLIANT!!! I almost never get gauge and am constantly either changing patterns or producing something that's technically lovely but doesn't fit right. Love the estimation of stitch size based on yarn and needle diameter!

@Moonbeamglider 4 months ago

Thanks Norman, did not realise knitting circular makes a difference. Tested again with a circular swatch, washed and cut it carefully and the stitch count was different. Norman you are a star, thank you ❤

@sondragingery5949 1 year ago

This was one of the best videos you've done. I have saved the video in my 'Knitting' video list and know I will be using it as a reference from now on.