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. 

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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