Convert gauge

CONVERTING METHODS

We've identified a problem and know how to solve it. If you're planning to knit a pattern and are having trouble with the instructions, you can easily adjust the measurements. Before you begin, however, let's look at where the problem lies. The most important thing before starting a new knitting project is to knit a gauge swatch. If you want to knit a sweater with the original yarn in one of the specified sizes, please compare your gauge swatch to the one given in the pattern. If they don't match, please knit your own gauge swatch. If you want to change the size, cut, or yarn, there are some preliminary steps you need to take to achieve a perfect result.

Before you begin! A helpful tool can be a gauge swatch:
https://oonique.com/products/maschenproben-und-nadelmass-oonique?_pos=1&_psq=maschenproben&_ss=e&_v=1.0

THE RIGHT FIT

It's always a good idea to compare the measurements in the pattern for your chosen model with a favorite sweater from your wardrobe. If you prefer the pattern to be longer, shorter, wider, or narrower, create a new pattern using your own measurements at a 1:1 scale. This way, you can repeatedly lay your knitting on the pattern while knitting to check that everything is correct and make adjustments as needed. You'll also have a perfect template for blocking your knitted piece before sewing it together.

THE RIGHT OF THREE

Now we need to convert the measurements into stitches and rows. This is where the rule of three comes into play. Your gauge swatch shows how many stitches and rows you need for 10 cm. Example gauge swatch: 16 sts and 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm. Example: You therefore need 16 stitches for 10 cm; this corresponds to 1.6 stitches per 1 cm. For a width of 50 cm (front and back), you will need 80 stitches. The edge stitches are added to this. For the height, you need 24 rows for 10 cm; this is 2.4 stitches per 1 cm. For a height of 40 cm (height from the ribbing to the armhole for the front and back), you will need 96 rows. The conversion formula is: (cm x gauge) divided by 10. Now you can determine the dimensions for your knitting project by converting all width measurements into stitches and all height measurements into rows. If you don't get whole numbers, round up or down accordingly. The difference is usually negligible.

SLEEVE SIDE, ARM BALL, ARM CUT AND NECK CUT

For the sleeve shaping increases, in our example, you have 98 rows in height for a width of 7 cm (11 stitches). Divide the number of rows by the number of stitches, and the result is that you need to increase 1 stitch on both sides every 8th row 11 times. No increases are made in the last rows before the sleeve cap or before binding off for sleeves without a cap. If this division results in an odd number of stitches, for example, 7, then you increase alternately every 6th and 8th row. For the shaping of the sleeve cap, armhole, and neckline, it's best to lay the knitted piece directly on the pattern and decrease according to the edge. The original pattern can also be helpful. Often the differences are not too significant.

REPEATS, RIBBON MOTIFS AND AREA DIVISIONS

When knitting patterns that require specific repeats (ribs, cables, lace patterns, etc.), you should take this into account when determining the number of stitches and rows. Sometimes a compromise between measurements and patterns is necessary. In that case, you'll need to adjust either the measurements or the pattern. Refer to the original instructions here as well. Comparing different sizes can be particularly helpful. For inset patterns or panel divisions, it's best to place them on your paper pattern and determine the exact position using the rule of three. Alternatively, you can lay the knitted piece on the pattern and use the diagram as a guide.

ANOTHER TIP

The importance of knitting a gauge swatch before starting your project cannot be overstated. Everything else depends on it, and ultimately, so does your success. But knitting should be fun, so don't overcomplicate it! A little improvisation is always welcome. 😉👍


Should anything still be unclear, please feel free to contact our team at any time! We are happy to help with any knitting questions!

Simply contact us at: team@oonique.com or on Instagram: oonique.official