How do you perform a gauge check for crochet?

Question

I recently purchased Boye's, "I taught myself how to crochet" kit and have learned how to do the crochet techniques.

I am starting the first project in the book and the only thing I'm confused about is the gauge. The gauge is as follows:

7 dc = 2", 4 rows = 2".

I know that dc means double crochet but I'm confused as to what the rest means.

Can an experienced crocheter please help me out by explaining it? I've tried to look it up online but it only confuses me even further.

I appreciate your help! Thanks!

Answer 1

This gauge info would mean that if you crochet a square 7 double crochets long and 4 rows high you should have a 2 inch square. This is to make sure that you are making stitches the same size as the pattern maker so that the dimensions of your final scarf are the same as the measurements you were given.

For something like a scarf, gauge is not that important unless you want to be really accurate to pattern size. It becomes important in things like clothing, where if your gauge is off by a quarter of an inch, your whole piece won't fit.

If your gauge swatch tells you that you are making the stitches too big or too small you can try adjusting how much tension you hold the yarn at to make the stitches smaller or larger (tighter for smaller, looser for larger). Or, if you are good with numbers, you can adjust the stitch and row numbers in the pattern so that they match your gauge (I have no advise on this as I am terrible at it and get a friend to do it for me when I need it done).

Answer 2

Silver is totally correct in how to check for guage, except for one little thing.

You need to make enough stitches in the pattern to have about a 5 inch square of crochet work done. Then measure in the middle of the piece. Put the inch marker between 2 of the dc's and count the stitches to the marker 2 inches beyond that. Then put the inch marker on the center row at the base of a dc and count the dc's up to the 2 inch spacing.

With scarves, blankets and caps this is not so important as it is with sweaters.

to change the guage change hooks, larger or smaller as the need be and maybe change the weight of the yarn.

and all "worsted weight" is not created equally.

"fingering weight" is not created equally either.

when changing brands of yarn you must check to make sure the guage is correct for the item you want to make.

Answer 3

use the crochet wilder to perform a gauge checck