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Why Knitting Tension Is So Important Understanding knitting gauges This is one of the most important things to get your head around. Knitting is all about math - OK, deep breath, stay with us! Not the boring, brain scrambling math that you remember from school (well, not unless you get into complex colored knitting styles like fair isle - which, who knows, you might find you actually like once you get started.) Knitting requires some really basic math - but if the idea of math really gives you the heebie-jeebies, try to think of it as insurance - you don't want to spend all those hours lovingly beavering away only to find the gorgeous creation you've been working on has misshapen a body and sleeves that are too long- NOT the sophisticated, stylish look we're going for! How to make sure your knitting fits To get a garment to fit right, you must knit it so that the number of stitches in the pattern measure the same when you knit it, as when the designer did - otherwise you'll end up with with the aforementioned mess. So you need to make sure the stitches you knit are of the right tightness (or tension). How To Knit A Tension Square A tension square is recommended at the beginning of every new pattern -DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO SKIP THIS PART (believe us, we've all done it and lived to regret it later) All knitting patterns will have a tension of gauge listed at the beginning of the pattern. It will usually look something like this: 20 sts and 28 rows = 10cm (4 in) measured over stockinet stitch using size 6 (4mm) needles. Now, you could cast on 20 sts and keep on knitting for 28 rows to see if yours matches - but there is a slightly better way to do it. Cast on 5-10 more stitches than recommended in the tension square, and keep knitting for 5-10 more rows. Then lay your square flat and get a tape measure or ruler and count vertically and horizontally. Count how many stitches equal the required distance (e.g. 10cm), then count how many rows are needed for the same. If you've too many stitches, try the tension square again using larger needles. If you've too few stitches use a smaller sized needle. Important note: check your tension regularly. It's very common (especially as you become a more proficient knitter) for your tension to change as you relax and become more confident.
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