size

Measuring gauge …

[Translate] Ok, so hopefully now you fully understand the difference between tension and gauge. If you’re knitting from a pattern, it’s important that you make sure you have the right gauge so the particular pattern that you’re making will come out the size you want. Let’s look at exactly how we go about measuring our gauge. Most patterns will give you a gauge swatch over 4″ or 10 cm. Here’s the first little trick … 4″ = 10.16 cm. Now that might not seem like much, but you have to remember that as the size of the project grows, […]

Tension vs Gauge

[Translate] I think two of the most misused terms in knitting are tension and gauge. I’ll try and explain the difference. Tension is defined as the state of being stretched, or mental or emotional strain. Basically, the amount of force being applied to a thing. Gauge is defined as the thickness, size, or capacity of something, especially as a standard measure, in particular, or an object used to measure this quantity. As a verb, it is the act of measuring the previous. Now these things are completely different, yet knitters seem to interchange them as if they were the […]

Planning for the finish ..

[Translate] The secret to any successful project implementation is good planning. Knitting a sweater (or any other garment) is very much the same. Unfortunately, it took me years of knitting before I realized this, and as a result, my first few sweaters could have been made a lot better. I’m not lamenting the past, just reflecting on the fact that had I had someone telling me certain things, well, I would definitely have more sweaters that I would be proud of wearing. So it is with this thought in mind that I write this post, and hopefully some of […]

How to be a Blockhead!

[Translate] Well, I’m still working on the ebook and hope to have it completed by the weekend, but in the meantime I thought I’d tell you about something that is very important in knitting – blocking! The topic came up twice in the last 2 days, so I thought I would do a posting about it. In the past I have recommended blocking at two different time in your project – and with good reason. The first time you should block is after you have completed your swatch. Most patterns don’t tell you to do this, but take it […]

Hand vs Machine

[Translate] I love hand knitting. I love the way it feels when the yarn flows over your fingers, the texture of the fibers, and the thought of creating something with a twist of your fingers. Every now and then however, I feel the need to pull out one of my machines and just whip something up. The KAL boxers that I am currently working on have given me a reason to do just that (thanks Chris)! You see, as much as I like putting my brain on hold from time to time, I get terribly bored knitting plain stocking […]