what is it?
here’s a link to wiki’s definition.
gauge basically determines whether or not your knitted thing will be the same size at what the pattern states.
gauge can be very important (like if you’re making a sweater) or not so important (like if you’re making a dish cloth).
hope this helps!
“Gauge”, also known as “tension” is your best friend and your worst enemy:) . It’s how many stitches per inch you’re getting (from left to right), and how many rows per inch you’re getting (up and down). One off, and your project can be a disaster. Here’s how: If you are supposed to be getting 4 stitches per inch, and you’re getting 5, and let’s say it’s a sweater which is supposed to be 40 inches around. Well, then instead of 40", you’ll get only 32"-- probably making it unwearable. But there’s a wonderful, easy solution!-- just make a gauge swatch or a tension square. You want to be able to measure 4" X 4", and so you make a square which is 5" X 5", so that you’ll have 1" borders and more accuracy. So cast on with the yarn and recommended needle size and knit up your square, aiming for 5" X 5". Let’s say the gauge is given at 18 stitches X 24 rows. If you measure your 4" X 4" and have more than 18 stitches (left to right), then you need larger needles. If you have fewer than 18, then you need smaller needles. Then if you have more than 24 rows (up and down) then you again, you need bigger needles, and if you have fewer than 24 rows, then again, you need smaller needles. Usually if you are only off by a row or 2, then try needles just one size larger or smaller. But if you are off just by 1 stitch, across-wise, then try needles 2 sizes larger or smaller. But if you learn nothing else about knitting, it is to never ignore the gauge swatch. People often get impatient to begin a project and so skip it, and are usually totally sorry they did that! It’s SO important!!!