Guest Post : What's Gauge Got to Do With It? by Sara Duggan

Today's post is a guest post by Sara Duggan as part of her Hooking for Cash Blog Tour. 

We have been discussing gauge a lot lately so this is perfect timing and I hope you will find it very informative.  

How many times have you neglected to crochet a sample swatch? I know I used to ignore that part of patterns thinking it really doesn't matter. It's no wonder I found some hats super gigantic and others small enough to fit a newborn. What went wrong? G.A.U.G.E.

Yes, the ever important gauge. For those new to crocheting this is critical in getting the proper size in garments, scarves, blankets, hats, etc. It doesn't matter so much for scrubbies, amigurumi, or little odd ball projects but let's say you want to make yourself a nice vest?

You can't just pick up the yarn you like and your favorite crochet hook - sorry, even though it is made of apple wood and hand turned by your great grandfather, if it doesn't meet the gauge you have to set it aside for another project.

What's so Important About Gauge Anyway?†

It is the number one key to getting the proper size

How do You Determine Gauge?†

Most commercially published patterns will have this included. You will see something like - In sc, 25 sts = 4"

First you need to know the yarn and hook size the designer used. This is usually stated in the pattern. The brand and type of fiber is NOT what is important but the weight of the yarn is. This includes lace weight all the way up to bulky. As long as you match the weight of the yarn you can get a gauge that matches.

Second you need to crochet a sample swatch in the yarn you have chosen in the recommended hook. Now measure this? Does your swatch measure 4" across (25 sc sts)? If not, you need to rip that out and start over again.

Too Big? use a smaller hook

Too Small? use a bigger hook

Keep at it until your sample swatch is 25 sc sts and measures 4" (YAY!)

Resources to Help You Along Your Gauge-tastic Journey

Lion Brand - Learn about Gauge

How to Crochet a Gauge Swatch from Crocheting for Dummies

What's Gauge Got to Do With It? - a thorough article by the Crochet Geek 'Teresa'

Video Tutorial Explaining the Gauge by Meladora's Crochet

Do you make sample swatches before diving into a pattern? Be honest and leave a comment below.

Like what you just read? Visit Sara at CrochetBusiness.com and while you’re there, register for Hooking for Cash 101 (http://crochetbusiness.com/welcome-blog-tour-fans) a 31 Days to Prepare Your Blog for Monetization eCourse. Each day you’ll receive an email with 1 actionable step to take. By the end of the 31 days your blog should be ready to make some cash. 

New – Hooking for Cash : 10 Ways to Make Money with Your Crochet Blog 2^nd Edition $5.99US (http://crochetbusiness.com/hooking-for-cash)

Now for a giveaway! Want a chance to win "Hooking for Cash"

Hooking for Cash 2nd edition giveaway Starts 12am PST Oct 31, 2013 ends November 6, 12am PST 

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Calleigh's Clips & Cre8tion Crochet LIVE - Gauge & More

I was the guest on the Cre8tion Crochet LIVE Show this week! It was so much fun to chat crochet and get to know another fabulous crocheter. We planned ahead to chat about gauge, but we talked about so much more! From the process of writing a pattern from start to finish, differences in hooks and other crochet tidbits. 

I enjoy watching the other episodes too! I've learned a lot from these already! 

It's a fun laid back chat so set aside some time to watch it and crochet while you listen, because we both were crocheting while we recorded. We truly love crochet!

Here are a few links you might want from our chat! 

Key Tab Slouch

Key Tab Fingerless Gloves

OH and since I referred to the golden loop method here is a link on that too! 

Be sure to visit Cre8tion Crochet's Website! Lots of wonderful free patterns, advice on crochet business and lots more! Tell her Calleigh's Clips sent ya! 

Enjoy! 

Free Crochet Pattern - Key Tab Fingerless Gloves

This is the 2nd free crochet pattern in a series! I'm working on one more and hope to have it ready next week! Introducing  the Key Tab Fingerless Gloves. 

I made these to match the Key Tab Slouchy! It's been a well loved pattern already and I've been wearing mine all week! I think I need to make them in every color. It's definitely my fall favorite!

This pattern is written in a General Pre-teen-Womens size but can be easily adjusted bigger or smaller you just need to do the ribbing in multiples of 4 for the stitch pattern. See the video here for the Special Stitch Pattern Video. 

If you add more rows of the Key Tab pattern just note that you need to do it in 2 rows or you'll need to turn on the row just before the sc. This helps keep the seam on the underside of the glove. 

I can't wait to see your gloves! If you have Raverly be sure to link your projects!! 

Do not use my images for any purpose! If you sell items made from my patterns please make and photograph your own work! Thank you! ~Elisabeth

Key Tab Fingerless Gloves

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials: 

Worsted Weight Yarn of Choice: 

Lion Brand Heartland  - 1 Skein in Colorway of choice

Yarn details {5 oz / 251 yards - Worsted Weight (4)}

*Hook size: H - (5.00 mm)

*Tapestry Needle

*Ribbing Gauge 2” x 2” swatch =  8 rows of 8 sc 

*Body of Glove Gauge 2” x 2” swatch = 4 rows of 8 dc

Terms and Stitches used:

(ch) chain, (st) stitch, (sl st) slip stitch, (sc) single crochet, (dc) double crochet, (rep) repeat, (blo) back loop only, (flo) front loops only, (YO) yarn over

Special Stitches: 

*Three Double Crochet Cluster (3dc cl)

YO hook insert hook into the next indicated st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (3 loops on hook) YO and draw through 2 loops, YO hook insert hook into the same st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (4 loops on hook) YO draw through 2 loops, YO hook insert hook into the same st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (5 loops on hook), YO draw through 2 loops, YO and pull through remaining 4 loops. One cluster made. 

Notes:

 *Chain stitch does not count in stitch count!

*The number at the end of each row is the stitch count for the row(#).

Ribbing:

Row 1: ch 11, (working in BLO only) sc in 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn (10) 

Row 2: sc in blo of each st across, ch 1, turn (10)

Row 3-24: Repeat Row 2

*Match up Row 1 and Row 24, sl st together in blo of each st across to join, ch 1 

*Do Not Fasten off!

Body of Glove:

Round 1: working along the ends of the rows, sc in each row around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (24)

Round 2: sc in same st as join, ch 3, 3dc cl in next st, ch1, sk 2 sts, *(sc in next st, ch 3, 3dc cl in next st, ch1 sk 2 sts) rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (6 - 3dc cl)

Round 3: *(sc, ch 3, 3dc cl) in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (6 - 3dc cl) 

Round 4-7: rep Round 3, after Round 7 only ch 1

Round 8: *sc in ch 1 sp, sc in cluster, 2 sc in ch 3 sp, sc in sc, rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1, DO NOT TURN (30)

*Left Hand:

Round 9: sc in next 5 sts, ch 7, sk next 7 sts, sc in last 18 sts around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (23  sc and ch-7 sp)

Round 10: sc in next 5 sts, 7 sc in ch-7 sp, sc in last 18 sts around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (30)

Round 11: sc in each st around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (30)

Round 12-13: Rep Row 11

Fasten off and weave in ends. 

*Right Hand:

Round 9: sc in next 18 sts, ch 7, sk next 7 sts, sc in last 5 sts around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (23  sc and ch-7 sp)

Round 10: sc in next 18 sts, 7 sc in ch-7 sp, sc in last 5 sts around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (30)

Round 11: sc in each st around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (30)

Round 12-13: Rep Row 11

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Legal stuff! Copyright 2013 Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations

Download the PDF File here!

You will need Adobe to read this pattern. 

Please do not copy and/or redistribute this pattern, but direct people back to the blog post.

Thank you for using a Calleigh’s Clips original pattern. I have done my best to keep my patterns simple and easy to understand. If at any time you need assistance, please feel free to contact me using the contact me tab.

Please remember that there may be a slight variance in sizing due to different tensions of each individual and materials used.

All patterns are copyright protected, but you are welcome to sell finished products made from my patterns. I do ask, however, that you mention my company name along with my web shop address as follows:

Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations by Elisabeth Spivey 

http://www.calleighsclips.com

I would love to see your finished products if you would like to send me pictures. These will be for my personal use only and will not be posted anywhere without prior written permission from you.

Enjoy,

Elisabeth

Be sure to check out the rest of the Key Tab Series 

Links to the other patterns! 

Slouchy

Boot Cuffs

Cowl

Yarn Substitution - Kitten and Tiger Cuddle Cape Sets

I've had some fun with my Kitty Cat and Tiger Cuddle Cape patterns this week!

 I thought I'd show you some new combinations from these two fun patterns to spark up new ideas for you! 

I got a custom order for a tiger to match the Mizzou Tigers. It was a simple change of colors to Black and Gold instead of orange. 

This next one is a leopard! I bought this fun yarn and I must get more. It Fleece yarn. It's very soft and cozy! Fabulous to work with. It's hard to tell far away but up closer you can see the print. 

The yarn is by Premier yarn's, Deborah Norville Cuddle Fleece

You can purchase and see all the fun colorways here! 

I used Earthen, but I'm dying to try Spooky(looks like snow-leapord) and Cheetah! 

There is just enough to make a nb cape set with one skein but if you want a longer tail or larger size you'll definitely need two! It works up just like the regular bulky 5 I call for in the patterns so it's a great sub for some other feline ideas! 

These are some older custom orders I've made but I thought it would be good to mention too! 

Try some in fuzzy or fun fur yarns! I looove this tiger set I made. The fur has yellow, red and orange tones. Use one strand of worsted and one strand of fun fur to bulky it up for matching gauge! 

Here is an example of a tabby cat custom order. I used three strands at the same time to make this one. One was worsted, one was fun fur and one was a brushed lace weight. Gave it just the right effect of colors the customer desired. It wasn't overly heavy and very soft! 

Yarn substitutions can really give a pattern a whole new look. Don't be afraid to play and combine new ideas to the same old pattern! Enjoy! 

My Latest Crochet Creations

I've had the chance to sit down and work up a few fun projects! 

This 1st picture is a basic slouchy in hot pink. With Oct being Breast Cancer Awareness by hubby likes to play it up big and wear lots of pink. LOL! He works outside so He asked me to make a slouchy hat to keep warm, to go with his hot pink high tops! Seriously. He cracks me up, but he says "Real men can wear pink too" I don't mind. Breast Cancer Awareness is important and unfortunately is was one of the factors in my Granny's passing.earlier this year. I've been thinking about her a lot lately. She is truly missed, but I've been wearing a lot of pink in honor of her memory this month! 

I tried to get a pick of the hubby wearing it but he's been pretty busy. So if I get one I'll be sure to add it to the post! :)

Here I am modeling it for you! It's just a simple cozy slouchy! 

It's a Freebie pattern on my blog and was one of the top 100 designs on Allfreecrochet last year.

It is the Universal Slouchy or as I called it the Sunset Slouchy - All Free Crochet likes to change up names sometimes on the site :) You can get the pattern here.

My 2nd project is another one of these lovely Stairs Shawl by A La Sascha! 

This time I used Bernat Mosaic yarn. 

You can find out more about this project on Ravelry.

I love these dark jewel tones. 

I wrapped my Calleigh up in it! She thought it was quite cozy. 

I'm going to have to work one up in her size! 

I'm working up another hat to go with this shawl using the same yarn with my newest 

Free Slouchy pattern: The Key Tab Slouch! 

I'm sure it's going to be gorgeous! Just need to find time to finish it! 

I can't wait to see how the colors work up! 

Free Crochet Pattern - Key Tab Slouchy

I recently found this fun stitch called the Key Tab on "The New Stitch a Day" website. I fell in love with the texture so I decided to write up some free patterns with it. This is the 1st in a series! I hope you will enjoy these new patterns as much as I do. I think these will make perfect Christmas gifts or just a perfect fall accessories! 

My inspiration for this pattern came from a new coat I recently purchased. I wouldn't normally pick mustard color anything, but my hubby insisted and It's my new favorite! 

This hat is currently only sized pre-teen to women's, but it's very easy to change the sizing up or down. Just make sure you do your ribbing row counts in a multiples of 4.  It features a fun button tab add on. It's totally optional as it's added on at the very end for embellishment. 

This pattern was tested by my amazing testers! A big thank you to them as always! 

I used Lion Brand's Heartland yarn. Which is becoming a new favorite. It's color ways are vibrant but multi tonal for dimension. Its a lighter worsted more like simply soft but I think its so much better to work with. Be sure to check your gauge with heavier worsted weight yarn but it's a slouchy that is meant to fit a little bigger. 

I can't wait to see your hats! 

Key Tab Slouchy Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Be sure to add this your Raverly favorites for later! 
An ad free PDF Download is available for purchase in Craftsy

Do not use my images for any purpose! If you sell items made from my patterns please make and photograph your own work! Thank you! ~Elisabeth

Key Tab Slouchy 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials: 

Worsted Weight Yarn of Choice: Lion Brand Heartland  - 1 Skein in Color-way of choice

Yarn details {5 oz / 251 yards - Worsted Weight (4)}

*Hook size: H - (5.00 mm)

*Tapestry Needle

* 2 Buttons of choice

*Ribbing Gauge 2” x 2” swatch =  8 rows of 8 sc 

*Body of Hat Gauge 2” x 2” swatch = 4 rows of 8 dc

Terms and Stitches used:

(ch) chain, (st) stitch, (sl st) slip stitch, (sc) single crochet, (dc) double crochet, (rep) repeat, (blo) back loop only, (flo) front loops only, (YO) yarn over

Special Stitches: 

*Three Double Crochet Cluster (3dc cl)

YO hook insert hook into the next indicated st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (3 loops on hook) YO and draw through 2 loops, YO hook insert hook into the same st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (4 loops on hook) YO draw through 2 loops, YO hook insert hook into the same st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (5 loops on hook), YO draw through 2 loops, YO and pull through remaining 4 loops. One cluster made. 

*Three Double Crochet Cluster Dec (3dc cl dec) See image example below

YO hook insert hook into the next indicated st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (3 loops on hook) YO and draw through 2 loops, YO hook insert hook into next st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (4 loops on hook) YO draw through 2 loops, YO hook insert hook into the next st/sp, YO and draw up a loop, (5 loops on hook), YO draw through 2 loops, YO and pull through remaining 4 loops. One cluster dec made. 

Notes:

 *Chain stitch does not count in stitch count!

*The number at the end of each row is the stitch count for the row (#).

Key Tab Slouchy Hat
Pre-teen - Women’s Size fits approx. 20-22”
Approx Measurements un-stretched 10 1/2” wide by 10 1/2” tall 

*Note: Hat is worked from the bottom up! 

Ribbing:

Row 1: ch 11, (working in BLO only) sc in 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn (10) 

Row 2: sc in blo of each st across, ch 1, turn (10)

Row 3-76: Repeat Row 2

*Match up Row 1 and Row 76, sl st together in blo of each st across to join, ch 1 

*Do Not Fasten off!

Body of Hat:

Make sure right side is facing.

Round 1: working along the ends of the rows, sc in each row around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 1 (76)

Round 2: sc in same st as join, ch 3, 3dc cl in next st, ch1, sk 2 sts, *(sc in next st, ch 3, 3dc cl in next st, ch1 sk 2 sts) rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (19 - 3dc cl)

Round 3: *(sc, ch 3, 3dc cl) in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (19 - 3dc cl) 

Round 4-14: rep Round 3 

Note: You can add more rows here if you would like more slouch. 

**Rounds 15-18 use the 3dc cl dec (see special stitches) 

Round 15: *(sc, ch 3, 3dc cl) in next ch 3 sp, ch1, (sc, ch 3) in next ch 3 sp, 

3dc cl dec over (same ch 3 sp, ch 1 sp and next ch 3 sp), ch 1 rep from * around to last ch 3 sp, (sc, ch 3, 3dc cl) in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (7 - 3dc cl, 6 - 3dc cl dec )

Round 16: (sc, ch 3, 3dc cl) in next ch 3 sp, ch1, *(sc, ch 3) in next ch 3 sp, 

3dc cl dec over (same ch 3 sp, ch 1 sp and next ch 3 sp), ch 1 rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (1 - 3dc cl, 6 - 3dc cl dec)

Round 17: (sc, ch 3, 3dc cl) in next ch 3 sp, ch1, *(sc, ch 3) in next ch 3 sp, 

3dc cl dec over (same ch 3 sp, ch 1 sp and next ch 3 sp), ch 1 rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc, ch 2, turn (1 - 3dc cl, 3 - 3dc cl dec)

Round 18: *(sc, ch 3) in next ch 3 sp, 3dc cl dec over (same, ch 3 sp, ch 1 sp and next ch 3 sp), ch 1 rep from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc 

(2 - 3dc cluster dec)

*Fasten off, but leave a long tail for sewing top closed. Sew closed by weaving yarn through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. 

Optional Button Tab: 

Count over about 30 Rows on the ribbing to the Right or Left of the back seam. (depends on which side you’d like your tab) 

Row 1: Join yarn to the front loops with a sl st, sc in front loops of the same st as join and each of the 9 stitches across, ch, 1 turn, 

Row 2: sc in blo of each st across, ch 1, turn (10)

Row 3-7: Repeat Row 2

*Fasten off, but leave a long enough tail to sew on two buttons of choice.

*Sew buttons as desired.

* Fasten off and Weave in ends. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Legal stuff! Copyright 2013 Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations

Please do not copy and/or redistribute this pattern, but direct people back to the blog post.

Thank you for using a Calleigh’s Clips original pattern. I have done my best to keep my patterns simple and easy to understand. If at any time you need assistance, please feel free to contact me using the contact me tab.

Please remember that there may be a slight variance in sizing due to different tensions of each individual and materials used.

All patterns are copyright protected, but you are welcome to sell finished products made from my patterns. I do ask, however, that you mention my company name along with my web shop address as follows:

Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations by Elisabeth Spivey 

http://www.calleighsclips.com

I would love to see your finished products if you would like to send me pictures. These will be for my personal use only and will not be posted anywhere without prior written permission from you.

Enjoy,

Elisabeth

Be sure to check out the rest of the Key Tab Series 

Links to the other patterns! 

Boot Cuffs

Fingerless Gloves

Cowl

I Love Yarn Day Challenge & Sale

Okay admit it! You have too much yarn and you don't know what your going to make with most of it. 

CHALLENGE!!

Look in your stash for a yarn buried deep down. 

Maybe it's a not so pretty skein that you can make beautiful. 

I love that with yarn it all starts out the same and can be used in so many different ways!

 Maybe pull out a pattern you'd bought or saved and haven't used.  

Each yarn is special so lets make something beautiful with that neglected treasure! 

I'm going to go dig in my bins and see what treasures I can find. 

I want to see your yarn choices before, and what you made with it after! 

You can post it on our Facebook page, facebook group or ravelry group.

Need some inspiration?!?

 We have lots of free patterns on the blog and I'm also having a sale in Raverly!!

In Ravelry only

Fri. Oct 11th, Noon - Midnight central 

35% off all patterns 

no code needed, discount taken at check out! 

We still do have 5 patterns on 50% discount for pattern of the week so don't miss out on the extra savings for those patterns. 

You'll need to purchase these separately from the sale. It won't do two discounts. 

Use the Coupon Code

CCCC50OFF in Ravelry

Thanksgiving/Fall Themed

Sweet Corn Cape Set 

Pilgrim Boy & Girl Cape Set

Tommy The Turkey Cape Set

Football Cape Set

Poppin Razzleberry hat

Newest Crochet Patterns Released: Snowpixie and Sailor Set

Introducing not one, but two new patterns! My hooks are burning with even more new ideas to come! 

I'm in love with the New Snowpixie and so are many others! I can't wait to see you all make more! 

This is perfect for winter and the coming holiday season! You don't even have to use it just for a newborn prop! The snowflake makes for great home decor! Use different hooks and yarn for different results! Make them small or  make them big! You can even use Chunky yarn and a big hook to make a rug or basket filler if you wanted! 

Serene Snowpixie

A big THANK YOU to Emma June Photography for these adorable pictures! 

Next is the Ship Shape Sailor Set! I was asked to make a custom order a while back and often get requests for military type patterns! So here is the 1st one! Hope to add more to this theme soon! 

Any requests? 

Ship Shape Sailor Set

You can currently find both these patterns for 40% off in my Raverly Shop! Soon They will be listed in all my shops. The sale runs through Thursday, Oct 10th, ending Midnight Central! 

Use the coupon code 

NEW2CCCC in Ravelry 

Also Don't forget I have 5 patterns on half price sale this week

Ends Friday, Oct 11th, Ending Midnight Central!

Use the Coupon Code

CCCC50OFF in Ravelry

Thanksgiving/Fall Themed

Sweet Corn Cape Set 

Pilgrim Boy & Girl Cape Set

Tommy The Turkey Cape Set

Football Cape Set

Poppin Razzleberry hat