How to count stitches and rows for checking gauge

How-to Questions
1

I have been knitting about a month and am doing my first gauge swatches. I’m trying to figure how to count my stitches and rows so I can determine gauge. If I knit a swatch in stockinette do I count the “v”?
Like if it looks like this for example.

VVVV
VVVV
VVVV
VVVV

Is that 4 stitches and 4 rows?

Thanks

Moryana

2

Yes it is. When doing a swatch, you need to do it for several more stitches and rows. Do it at least 4"x4" and count the stitches and rows in the middle 2". Many people make one 6x6 so they can count the stitche for 4" as that’s how many pattern stitch gauges are written these days.

sue

3

I really appreciate the help. I have been making swatches about 2"x2" but I’ll make bigger ones now. Thanks for the tip. Now that everyone in my family has a new scarf maybe I should try a pattern. :teehee:

4

Stitch gauge isn’t as critical for a scarf except to make sure it’s not going to be either too narrow or too wide. If you come close, don’t drive yourself crazy trying to get it exact. It’s okay if it’s off a stitch or two. And the stitch gauge is more important than the row gauge; patterns almost always have you knit for X inches not X rows.

sue