Ask the Experts: How Can I Measure Gauge With A Textured Yarn?

Yarn companies are constantly introducing innovative new yarns. Some of these yarns, though oh so tempting, present a challenge to yarn lovers. Case in point: How can you measure your gauge when you can’t see the individual stitches?

This question came up in a recent virtual meeting of the Interweave Yarn Team. When I explained the method described below, all the faces on the screen looked like “exploding head” emojis. If this was news to our team, perhaps it’s news to you, too!

The Challenge

Every instruction for measuring gauge tells you to count the stitches and rows within a specific measurement, usually 4″ (10 cm). But heavily textured yarns, such as brushed yarn, boucle, eyelash, and faux fur, sometimes make it impossible to see the stitches. And it’s hard to count what you cannot see.

Fable Fur from Knit Picks is an extreme example. This polyester faux fur yarn is long and dense and incredibly soft. I used size 15 needles to make a garter stitch swatch about 10″ wide and 6″ tall. Even while knitting, I was working by feel; I couldn’t really see where the needles should go. In the finished swatch, it’s impossible to see the stitches—all you see is that glorious fur.

The Solution

Begin by marking off a 4″ square on your swatch. For a less extreme texture, you might be able to do this with pins or a simple running stitch in a contrasting yarn. Because the faux fur is so deep, I used contrasting yarn and a tapestry needle to outline my 4″ square with big, loopy stitches that would stand above the fur.

Once your markings are in place, use a ruler to double check the size of your square.

Now you can do whatever you need to do to count the stitches within the marked square. Stretch it, hold it up to the light, feel each stitch for the core of the yarn. The number of stitches within the square will not change, no matter how you contort and distort the swatch to enable you to count.

With Fable Fur, even stretching the swatch and holding it up to a window for some backlight wasn’t enough to let me see the stitches. But I was able to use my fingertips to feel each stitch and each garter ridge. The gauge on my swatch is 8 stitches and 14 rows = 4″ in Garter stitch on size 15 needles.

Don’t Fear the Fur

Textured yarns are a wonderful addition to your crafty life, whether you use them as an accent or for an entire garment. Now that you know how to determine your gauge, which textured yarns are you eager to try? I’m planning to use the rest of this beautiful faux fur for the brim of a winter hat.

What’s Puzzling You?

Send your questions to knitting@goldenpeakmedia.com or crochet@goldenpeakmedia.com and put Ask The Expert in the subject line. You just might see the answer in an upcoming newsletter!

Sandi Rosner
Technical Content Editor, Yarn

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