Crochet gauge for beginners: a 10-minute swatch that saves your blanket
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in a measured square. Blankets, hats and placemats depend on it; amigurumi mostly needs a tight fabric so stuffing does not show.
Measuring
- Crochet a 5 in square in the stitch the pattern uses.
- Lay it flat and count the stitches across the central 4 in.
- Too many stitches? Go up one hook size. Too few? Go down one.
Where it matters
Use the gauge note in patterns like the Cozy Ripple Baby Blanket and the Simple Ribbed Beanie. For practice, the free granny square is a perfect swatch.