Gauge help for true newbie
Hey everyone! Did a quick search of the site, but thought I'd ask - I'm VERY new to crochet. I took a 1 hour intro class in September and since then have been practicing and kinda teaching myself.
I want to venture into making a hat for my DH. I know for garments you really must check your gauge. The pattern calls for 12 SC = 4 inch.
For a gauge swatch, am I supposed to make a swatch a few stiches longer than 12 (15 or so) and then continue rows until it's about 4 inches? Then do I measue accross a row to see if 12 SC = 4 inches, or do I measure another way (say across rows or something)?
The pattern calls for a size G hook. Doing the above I had 12 SC = less than 3 inches. Moved up to H but still it only = 3 inch.
I feel like I'm not getting something or doing something wrong to have to go up so many hook sizes. I hope these questions even make sense to more experienced hookers. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Happy holidays!
I think you are using the right methods to find your gauge.
Some people crochet very tightly at first, so you may need to keep increasing hook sizes to get the right gauge. Then, when you are working on the hat check your gauge every few rows since practice may cause you to relax and loosen up on your gauge. If so, grab a smaller hook.
The other thing to check is your yarn. Is it what the pattern calls for or did you sub with a finer yarn? That will give you more sts/in.
Good luck and carry on.
thanks Pauline3!
I didn't get the exact brand of yarn called for, but I did match the stitches per inch/weight with what was called for.
I'm sure I crochet tightly. Learning to crochet is a personal excersise in relaxation for me!
I'll give it a try!
~Dawn