How to Determine the Gauge on Double Pointed Needles

The size needle recommended on the yarn label is just a starting suggestion.

Double point needles are used for knitting-in-the-round. Most single point needles have the size printed on the end. You need a tool called a stitch gauge to determine the size of double pointed needles. Before you start your knitting project, knit up a gauge sample and use the stitch gauge to measure the number of stitches and rows in your sample. Use this information to select the proper size of double pointed needle for your project.

Things You'll Need

• Double pointed needles
• Stitch gauge
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Drop your double pointed needle through the holes in the stitch gauge. The number on the smallest hole the needle will go through will tell you the size of the needle. Start with the size of needles recommended on the yarn label.

2. Cast on 20 stitches and knit for 3 inches. Bind off the sample. This is your gauge sample.

3. Place the sample on a flat surface and place your stitch gauge on the sample. Count the number of rows in 2 inches of the sample and the number of stitches in 2 inches. Divide these numbers by two to determine the number of rows and stitches per inch. This is more accurate than just using a 1-inch sample. Compare these numbers with the required gauge for your pattern.

4. Switch to smaller needles if there are too few rows and stitches in your sample. Switch to larger needles if there are too many rows and stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• A flat sample will work to determine the correct size of needle for a project that will be knitted-in-the-round on double point needles.

References

• Craft Stylish: Tools You Never Knew You Needed.
• Cooperative Extension Service: Let's Learn to Knit