Gauge Swatch Counter
Record stitches and rows within a swatch.
Gauge Swatch Counter: Quick Calculation
How Gauge Swatch Counter Works?
The Gauge Swatch Counter works by counting Swatch Stitches and Swatch Rows while you make a test square. The built-in calculator then turns your stitches per 4 in (10 cm) into the stitches needed for a target width.
Make the swatch
Cast on or chain at least 5 in (12.7 cm) of stitches in the pattern stitch.
Count the stitches
Tap the count pad or press Space for each stitch across 4 in (10 cm) of the washed and dried swatch.
Count the rows
Press → for each row in the same 4 in (10 cm).
Use the calculator
Type the stitch count into Sample Stitches and your target width into the second box to read the required stitches.
Gauge Swatch Counter Formula
The Gauge Swatch Counter formula is gauge per inch = stitches in 4 in ÷ 4. Rows per inch follow the same rule with the row count.
- Stitch gauge
g = S₄ ÷ 4S₄ is the stitches in 4 in. Divide stitches in 10 cm by 10 for stitches per cm.
- Row gauge
r = R₄ ÷ 4R₄ is the rows in 4 in.
- Calculator result
Stitches = width × gThe calculator panel multiplies the target width by the stitch gauge.
Worked example: A swatch with 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 in gives 5.5 stitches and 7.5 rows per inch. A 40 in (101.6 cm) width needs 40 × 5.5 = 220 stitches.
Gauge Swatch Counter Conversion Table
The Gauge Swatch Counter conversion table converts swatch counts over 4 in (10 cm) into per-inch and per-cm gauge.
| Stitches or rows in 4 in | Per inch | Per cm | Stitches for 20 in (50.8 cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 3 | 1.18 | 60 |
| 16 | 4 | 1.57 | 80 |
| 18 | 4.5 | 1.77 | 90 |
| 20 | 5 | 1.97 | 100 |
| 22 | 5.5 | 2.17 | 110 |
| 24 | 6 | 2.36 | 120 |
| 28 | 7 | 2.76 | 140 |
| 32 | 8 | 3.15 | 160 |
Wash and dry the swatch the way you will treat the finished item before measuring.
What is Gauge Swatch Counter?
A Gauge Swatch Counter is a tool that counts the stitches and rows of a test swatch and turns them into gauge. Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch or centimetre.
Patterns depend on matching the designer's gauge. A swatch off by 1 stitch per 4 in changes a 40 in sweater by about 2 in (5 cm).
The Stitches Counter tool saves the swatch counts in your browser and calculates the stitches for a width.
What are the uses of Gauge Swatch Counter?
There are 5 main uses of the Gauge Swatch Counter, including gauge matching, needle choice and yarn swaps.
Gauge matching
Check your gauge against the pattern.
Needle or hook choice
Swatch on 2 sizes and keep the closer one.
Yarn swaps
Test a substitute yarn before buying a sweater's worth.
Design
Get gauge for your own designs.
Fabric checks
Feel the fabric for drape and density.
About the Gauge Swatch Counter
Count stitches and rows as you knit or crochet your 5x5 inch swatch so your tension matches the designer specifications perfectly.
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Always make swatches slightly larger than 4x4 inches to measure inside the edge curl.
- ✓Wash and block your swatch exactly as you plan to treat the finished garment before measuring.
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