When anyone says the word ‘gauge’ it seems like many crocheters run for the hills!
I am the first to admit it is one of my least favorite jobs when I am crocheting – right alongside weaving in these pesky yarn ends.
I do know though it is a necessary evil for any project I want to ‘fit’ so I grit my teeth and get on with it and when I am designing something for you to make it is part of the process so it is becoming less and less of a chore for me. I guess it is true – when you do something you dislike enough – it does become a bit easier…and now it can also be a bit more fun because there are so many cool tools you can use to check your gauge and your wraps per inch!
If you are unfamiliar with wraps per inch I recommend you check out this post here: WPI Project
Using WPI is a great way to check in the yarn store if a yarn you have fallen in love with might work for a pattern you want to crochet – BEFORE you buy the yarn and make you gauge swatch 🙂
I thought I’d share both the fun and the practical options with you 🙂
My tools are a simple 12 inch metal ruler and a pencil I have drawn lines on to mark my wraps per inch.
The tools below are the ones I’ve saved to my favorites online. Sometimes I like to buy fun gifts for myself – and these have made it to that list!
10 Fun Tools to Check Your Crochet Gauge and WPI
1 Cream White Sheep WPI – TheClaySheep
2 Black Kitty Cat WPI Tool to Check Gauge – TheClaySheep
3 White Bunny Rabbit WPI Tool to Check Gauge – TheClaySheep
4 Wraps Per Inch Card With Slots – Succaplokki
5 Gauge Checker 4 Inch – Succaplokki
6 Susan Bates Gauge Grabber – luthvarian
7 Needle and Crochet Gauge Checker with Cutting Tool – Pitanga Yarns
8 Knit Chek Gauge Tool – YarnShop4U
9 Nancy’s Knit Knacks Scarf Fold Up Ruler and Stitch Guide – DiVintageBlessings
10 The Essential Needle and Hook Gauge and Ruler Tool – The Velvet Acorn
I think I’ve decided I am going to order #4 and #5 and then #2 just because I can add it to my key chain and it is so darn cute! Which one(s) would you order?
Images used in this collage as part of the Etsy Affiliate Program with Awin
Verna says
Thanks for all the information. It brings to my attention that this needs to go into my tool chest.
I only have seen #8 but I’ve never paid much attention to gauge as it’s a moot point for me while making amigurumi and blankets. However, this year I am wanting to try a sweater so I may invest in one of these.
Any patterns that I’ve made using a gauge for reference, a ruler has worked fine, up to this point.
Sue Fresen says
I was only familiar with tool number 8. Thank you for the thorough review.
Amanda Meister says
I love the Knitters pride elephant gauge tool. It’s practical and adorable.
Catherine McClarey says
I recognized #6 and #8 right away, as my local Shopko carries Susan Bates yarncraft notions (so I probably own those already). Some of those others look very cute, though!
Cheryl Heming says
Great ways to check your crochet gauge.
tallcoolglass63 says
Thanx for the list! I’m definitely going to check into #2! 😉
Deborah Lee says
I never knew these things were out there! Thanks, Rhonda! Now I have something else to add to my husband’s list of ‘Gifts You can get me!’
Leslie says
I found this a fun, cute and informative post. I like to have my options. Sometimes getting something strictly to serve a purpose that is functional and affordable is all that matters. Yet other times I enjoy splurging and cutesy tools for the same job.
Julie Clemens says
Thank you so much for this post – I have been looking for a source.
susanne shumate says
I need to learn how to use the essential hook and needle guage tool from the velvet acorn, I have on just like but its plastic and Im not doing something right and I love that gadget!!
DJ Moser says
Thank you so much for showing all the different tips and tools available to gauge a project. This is something I struggle with.