Getting Gauge

[Natch]

Is gauge going to be important, or will it be okay to use a tension and hook that is comfortable, as long as I'm consistent?

[Jen]

Is gauge going to be important, or will it be okay to use a tension and hook that is comfortable, as long as I'm consistent?

We've got a gauge tutorial coming up next week which should answer a lot of your questions! Short answer is - gauge can make a huge difference in general, but with an afghan you can end up with a very loose or tight project if you don't check your gauge. LIke you say, consistency is key, knitting or crocheting with consistent tension is going to help you make sure those motifs come together.

If you have questions on HOW to check your gauge, we'll be back next week with all the details.

[Shandeh]

why do we have to wait so long to start the CAL. I just got my yarn in the mail today because no store has the amount that one needs to complete their afghan. I am too anxious to wait any longer, is there any wya we can start earlier? Thanks, Ellen (diddy54)

While you're waiting, you can work on getting gauge for your blanket. It's what I'm doing right now.

The crocheted blanket has this gauge: 12 DC and 7 rows - 4 inches

The pattern calls for a size H (5mm) hook, so now's the time to make sure that size hook works for you.

[tootie]

I'm getting excited...couldn't decide whether to to the CAL or the KAL. So, my daughter is doing the CAL and I am doing the KAL. We spent a long time deciding on our colour scheme. And now, the yarn arrived today, and I am PUMPED to get started. Tonight I'm gonna check my gauge to make sure I have the right size needles and hook.

[kathieh]

I finally got around to checking my gauge. When I use an H hook, my swatch measures 3.5 inches across and 4 inches high. When I tried an I hook, it measured 4 inches across and 4.5 inches high.

So which hook should I use! Help!

[Shandeh]

I finally got around to checking my gauge. When I use an H hook, my swatch measures 3.5 inches across and 4 inches high. When I tried an I hook, it measured 4 inches across and 4.5 inches high.
So which hook should I use! Help!

Hmmmm....
Maybe we should invent an H 1/2?

How about trying the H hook again, and try to let the yarn flow a little more loosely.

I had to do that once, to get gauge, and it made all my projects after that so much easier. I realized later that I had been holding the yarn too tight in my earlier projects.

I don't know if that's the case for you, but it can't hurt to try!

[kathieh]

I will try again today when I get home from work. Funny, with all the projects I have done, I have never done a gauge swatch!!! And I always thought I crocheted pretty loosely! Oh well! Thanks!

[LuckyRainbow]

I did my test swatch using size H hook and it came out way too small. I tried 3 times and same result each time.

I went up to size I hook and it came out perfect the first time. Guess I am just that uptight and can't relax without help. LOL

[kathieh]

I finally got around to checking my gauge. When I use an H hook, my swatch measures 3.5 inches across and 4 inches high. When I tried an I hook, it measured 4 inches across and 4.5 inches high.
So which hook should I use! Help!

Hmmmm....
Maybe we should invent an H 1/2?

How about trying the H hook again, and try to let the yarn flow a little more loosely.

I had to do that once, to get gauge, and it made all my projects after that so much easier. I realized later that I had been holding the yarn too tight in my earlier projects.

I don't know if that's the case for you, but it can't hurt to try!

Ok, so as soon as I got home from work, I tried my swatch again with the H hook. I held the yarn much looser than I usually do, which felt a bit uncomfortable, But it worked!!
I actually came out with a 4x4 square!!!
Thank you so much, now I am ready to go!!!
Kathie

[crochetnut]

I also have had trouble with gauge . I went from h to I to finally J. I tried K but that was totally too big. J I did twice and it came out right to the gauge the second time . I didn't think I was a tight crocheter but I guess I am. I just hope my gauge doesn't change during the crocheting of the afghan. I may try the H again and hold the yarn differently. But I know the way that I hold the yarn currently it will have to be J hook.