If you’ve followed a few patterns you probably have seen “save time, check your gauge!” or some encouraging form of this instruction. But why does gauge matter and how can it actually save you time? What Is Gauge? What Does It Do? Before we go any further, let’s look at what gauge is. Simply speaking,…
Have you ever looked at a yarn label, unsure exactly how to visualize what different weights of yarn will look like when worked up? You’re not alone. While many labels offer detailed information about the size of the yarn, it can still be difficult to picture exactly how thick each one will be. We knit…
Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet master! She’s designed patterns and written many books, including her latest, The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop. When I spoke to her at Vogue Knitting Live, she told me that even experts have trouble with gauge. Her advice? Watch the video below to find out! ::Trouble viewing this video? Click here: http://youtu.be/IepzyLVK-SA:: If you’re interested in…
Technical editor and yarncrafting expert Kj Hay joins us for a series on understanding the different elements of patterns. Click here to read her earlier blog posts. Gauge is very important in all but the simplest designs. The gauge at which you work determines the finished size of the piece and the firmness of the fabric. If your gauge…
Technical editor and yarncrafting expert Kj Hay joins us for a series on understanding the different elements of patterns. Click here to read her earlier blog posts. Hooks and Needles The sizes of the hooks or needles listed in a pattern indicate the size used by the designer to achieve the listed gauge and to complete the item shown….
Throughout this season, we’re reposting some of our favorite columns by Barbara Breiter, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Knitting & Crocheting, previously featured in our Weekly Stitch newsletter. Every knitter and crocheter has heard of it. Most ignore it. The smart ones know better. What is it? Gauge, of course. You’ll see gauge (also sometimes…
Hello fellow yarn crafters! My name is Vanessa, and I will be your host for this Crochet-Along. I am one of the store associates at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Lion Brand’s store and education center in NYC. I have a degree in fashion design, and I have been knitting for fifteen years and crocheting…
I admit it: I used to cheat at gauge swatches. I would cast on, work a few rows, then assume I was good to go. Of course, my projects never came out the right size (and I have the ill-fitting sweaters to prove it)! Since then, I’ve decided that I prefer sweaters that fit, so…
Just as there are many different variations of yarns, there are types of needles and hooks to choose from as well. Hooks and needles come in different shapes, sizes, and textures to help you achieve your best results when yarncrafting. They even come in fun colors and designs, allowing you to add a personal touch…
Hello and welcome back to the Wisteria KAL! Hopefully you’ve had time to get your yarn and needles together because it’s time to dive into the the pattern with the all-important gauge swatch. Determining your gauge is crucial for getting on the road to a successful finished sweater. When you take to time to find…
Welcome to the Raglan Mesh Cardigan Crochet-Along (CAL)! As an over-view, here’s what you can expect in the upcoming blog posts, which go up every Thursday: This week: Gauge! 7/14: Starting chain and raglan increases 7/21: Underarms and Body 7/28: Sleeves 8/4: Finishing and blocking – sweater is done! Some people will work a little ahead…
How making a few easy changes to a pattern gave me exactly the finished project I wanted. Possibly my favorite thing about Spring is finally wearing pretty skirts again. After the heavy long skirts of winter, it’s a relief to have a light little twirly skirt on. Unfortunately, the weather is not always cooperative with…
