Gauge Swatch Calculator — Stitches & Rows Per 10cm

Knit a swatch at least 15cm x 15cm (6 x 6 inches). This gives you enough fabric to measure the central 10cm accurately, avoiding edge distortions. For best results, knit the swatch in the same stitch pattern used in the project.

Yes, always wash and block your swatch the same way you plan to care for the finished garment. Many yarns change gauge significantly after washing. Wool may relax and grow, cotton may shrink slightly, and acrylic may soften with steam. Measuring an unblocked swatch gives inaccurate gauge.

If you have too many stitches per 10cm, your tension is too tight — try going up a needle size. If you have too few stitches, your tension is too loose — try going down a needle size. Change needle size by 0.5mm at a time and re-swatch until you match.

For garments, row gauge matters for length calculations (sleeve length, body length, yoke depth). If your row gauge differs from the pattern but stitch gauge matches, you may need to add or remove rows. For accessories like scarves and blankets, stitch gauge is usually sufficient.