If you decide to start knitting, you have to get accustomed to the size of the knitting needle you want to utilize. This means that you require a reliable and precise way of measuring these needles.
On the other hand, if you’re already conversant with knitting, it’s likely, you haven’t been using a knitting gauge. This is an essential tool for knitting since it lets you find out your needles size even when it is not imprinted.
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So which needle gauges are best? Here is a review of the seven best needle gauges. We’ll delve into why we choose those specific seven products later on. Additionally, it will cover why knitters need them and also some of the frequently asked questions. However, before all this, it’s worth explaining more about a knitting needle gauge so that you can comprehend this whole review.
Knitting Gauge
This is a flat measuring instrument utilized to determine the knitting needles size. It is an unorthodox ruler with several holes in it; you utilize it by inserting the knitting needle in the matching hole and then reading the figure next to the hole.
Specific needles, for instance, double-pointed knitting needles, don’t have their size details on them, at times. This is when you will need the knitting needle gauge. You can also use it to find out the needles size to ascertain if it is the ideal fit for the particular task you’re undertaking. Knitting gauges come in different shapes and designs. Even though the tools design and shape are not vital to knitting, it definitely adds a personal touch to your kit.
Seven Best Knitting Gauges
1. Susan Bates Knitting Gauge – 14099
This is one of the best knitting needle gauges in the market currently; once you buy it, it’s the only one you’ll ever need. It clearly displays the row gauge and the stitch for all needle sizes, making it easy to find your needles size and aptness for your recent task.
Additionally, the Susan Bates knitting needle gauge is relatively compact, translating to its portability if you want to carry it around with you. It is made using metal, which means it will neither break nor bend easily.
2. HiyaHiya Sheep Needle Gauge
Table setup not completed.While the Susan Bates is a robust and safe option, the HiyaHiya has a playful design making it perfect for someone who wants to add an artistic touch to their knitting kit.
It is has a cheerful, corpulent sheep design, which is quite alluring. It is made of plastic, and it features a wide array of holes to ensure you ideally ascertain all the unlabeled needles easily. It also has millimeter measurements, which is a good bonus for the knitters who prefer the metric measurements.
3. The Elegant Knitter Needle Gauge – Sheep Brass
This impressive tool is specifically designed for the elegant knitter. It is a premium choice and ideal for the knitters who prefer the lovelier things life has to offer. It’s always good to buy yourself something fancier. This sheep-inspired circular gauge is made using robust brass, and it adds some fun to the usual routine procedure of measuring the needles.
The engraved sheep theme will watch over as you continue knitting your sweater, reminding you of who you are supposed to be thankful to for offering you the high-quality wool. It offers both the metric and USA systems, which makes it ideal for knitters worldwide, whichever system you’re familiar with.
4. Clover Swatch Ruler & Needle Gauge
These helpful square instruments are utilized to measure gauge swatches knits with the 4 inch (10cm) ruler. Hold it up against your project and see the number of stitches in the cut-out square. Conveniently the hook size is listed in metric, US, and Japanese standard sizes making it ideal for conversion for any pattern. This is really a multifunctional tool where you can utilize the notches to identify the size of your crochet hook or determine the size of your knitting needle with the use of the holes.
5. CLOVER 3147 Knitting Needle Gauge
This cute and handy needle gauge can measure 20 different knitting needle sizes. It can measure needle sizes in US and metric measurements making it ideal for when your knitting needle is in US or metric and you’re unsure of the conversion and of course it’s written in the opposite measuring system on the needle. Quick and easy to use with a white plastic finish in the shape of a fun knit cap. It was like it was made for knitting!
6. Bamboo Knitting Needle Gauge and Ruler or Stitch Counter in US and Metric (Small 3 Piece)
This compact 3 piece set is made from strong, nature grown, replenishable Bamboo. With each piece measuring 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches. The first piece is a stitch counter; you lay it over the stitches and count to see how many stitches there are per inch. The other two pieces are needle gauge with measurements in US and metric. I like how small and compact this design is and it comes with a ring to place all the pieces on for easy transportation and storage options.
7. Exquiss 27 pcs Knitting Kits
Great set for beginner knitters! Package includes 8 locking stitch makers, 6 pear shaped safety pins, 2 large-eye blunt needles, 2 plastic sewing needles, 1 wooden knitting needle gauge in the shape of a sheep, 1 stitch holder, 1 U-shaped cable needle, 1 double ended crochet hook, 1 cable stitch holder, 1 telescopic scissor, 1 sheep shaped retractable measuring tape and 1 row counter stitch marker. With a metal tin to store all accessories. This set has everything to get you started in the right direction for your first knitting project. It would also make a great gift!
The knitting needle gauge has a cute sheep design and features both Metric and USA measurements, and these are imprinted below and above every hole to make sure it is adequate for every knitter.
How to Use
To get the most from your knitting works, you will definitely benefit from utilizing the suitably-sized needle for the task. Frequently, the yarn comes with specific guidelines that tell you the suitable needle size to use for your project. For instance, this could depend on how many stitches you intend to use per inch, among other factors. Thus, this means you should use the knitting needle gauge according to the guidelines that come with the yarn to determine the suitable-size needle for the task.
Additionally, it would be handy to take your knitting needle gauge with you if you want to knit.
Using Knitting Gauge Ruler
Take your unmarked needles and begin prodding them through the gauge’s holes to find out their size. You can also begin with a guess; for instance, if you have a medium-sized needle, the best guess is that it’s a US-sized six.
In case the needle does not slip via the hole, go to the following size up. In case it fits the hole but leaves a marginal space, try the smaller size. The needle has to slip via the hole and leave no allowance.
Gauging Knitting Using a Ruler
The ruler in needle gauges are ideal for measuring the gauge swatch because it is typically measured at 10 cm (4 inches). There are needle gauges that feature a small square gauge or L-shaped ruler used to ascertain the gauge, which a great bonus. Essentially, you require a 4-inch window to acquire a decent sample of the swatch.
Determining the Knitting Needles Size Without Using a Ruler or Gauge
- Typically, you measure the knitting needles size using their diameter. This is a line that passes through the circles center from one side to another.
- To correctly measure the needles, you require a ruler which features a metric measuring structure on one end and a needle measuring chart.
- Measure your needles diameter by positioning it in the middle of the rulers #marks and then count the number of lines it lies on. The metric measuring system gives you results within a few seconds. Ten centimeters is equivalent to 10 millimeters. It will not give you accurate results like a gauge.
- This technique is quite challenging, especially when you reach 0.25 mm; however, it will come in handy as a last resort.
How to Read a Knitting Needles Gauge
Most of the recently produced knitting needles are designed to make it simple to find out their size. Typically, straight needles feature a knobby bit at one end that features the number (UK or US) and metric measurement frequently.
On the other hand, circular needles can be a bit challenging. In case the knitting needle does not come in an interchangeable set, the size is normally etched near the needles point where it joins the circular part. If it comes in a set, the case usually features spaces marked for every size, though the needles themselves are not imprinted in their sizes.
Antique, double-pointed, and handmade needles and other needles made of specialty materials often do not have their size etched. At times needles are etched initially, though the imprint wears off after some time.
FAQs
What Exactly is a Gauge Swatch Ruler?
This is another handy tool to add to your set. Whereas some knitting needle gauges come with a gauge swatch ruler, others don’t, which will require you to purchase one separately.
A gauge ruler is utilized to measure the gauge swatch. On the other hand, a gauge swatch is a four-by-four-inch patch that can be knitted purposely for reference or other different reasons. With it, you can precisely count the number of stitches in the swatch and take exact measurements. This is mostly why this tool is so handy in knitting for your stitching project, and it almost equals the essence of knitting needle gauges.
Why is it Essential to Know your Needles Size?
The sole purpose of utilizing a knitting needle gauge is to ascertain the size of the needle you are using. However, what’s the importance of finding out the needle size, and how does it help with your knitting project?
The needles size impacts the size of the stitches of the yarn. Consequently, you can determine in advance which needle you will require, depending on whether you wish to work with loose, small, large, or tight stitches.
The larger the needle you use, the larger the gauge will be. Once you figure out the gauge you require for a specific product; you can utilize the suitable needle for the project depending on your yarns instructions.
This is among the few reasons why swatches exist. A swatch is a marginal part of your knitting that can provide details about stitch count and let you practice knitting with a wide array of stitches. Additionally, they can help you find out the size needle or gauge you are supposed to utilize.
What Will Occur if I use the Wrong-size Needle?
The size of the knitting needle you choose according to the guidelines that come with the yarn is simply a recommendation. This means that it is a recommendation but not compulsory for a fruitful knitting project.
On the other hand, it is best to pay attention to the guidelines because some works need a particular gauge. For instance, if you knit a cloth using the wring gauge, it could turn out to be too tight or large and loose. Therefore, most likely, it is okay to utilize one needle size above or below the one stated in the yarns instructions. It would not be wise to go too far from the recommended needle size since you could end up producing an unimpressive final product, which you could have avoided.
Conclusion
Knitting is enjoyable, whether you do it for fun or full-time. A knitting needle gauge is crucial to your knitting work since it helps achieve the best result and the ideal end product. The needle size is the key to producing high-quality work, and you should use the one recommended on the yarn’s guidelines. However, you can also go one step below or above the recommended needles size. Hopefully, this review has helped you find a simple way to find out the size of all the needles sitting unused in your knitting kit.