Fun Tools To Check Your Crochet Gauge!

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When someone mentions the word ‘gauge,’ it feels like a lot of us crocheters want to run for cover!

I’ll admit it—checking gauge is one of my least favorite parts of crocheting. It’s right up there with weaving in all those yarn ends. But I know it’s essential, especially when I want a project to actually fit. So, I grit my teeth and get it done. And, since it’s a necessary part of designing patterns for you, it’s slowly becoming less of a chore. Funny how doing something enough times makes it easier… and even a little fun when you have cool tools to help!

Speaking of tools, there are some amazing ones out there to check your gauge and even measure your yarn’s wraps per inch (WPI). If you’re new to WPI, you’ll definitely want to check out the additional information I’ve included at the end of the post—it’s a game changer. Using WPI can help you figure out if a yarn you’re eyeing at the store will work for your pattern before you buy it.

I wanted to share some fun and practical WPI and gauge tools with you. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite tools that I’ve bookmarked online. They’re practical and make great little treats for yourself (because why not?).

10 Fun Tools to Check Your Crochet Gauge and WPI

1. WPI UK and US Double Sided Tool
2. WPI Keychain Tool
3. Acrylic WPI Tool
4. Small WPI Tool
5. WPI Tool Colorful
6. Cassette Tape Needle Gauge
7. Crochet Gauge Swatch Tool
8. Gauge Ruler Magnifier
9. Susan Bates Crochet Gauge Checker Tool
10. Precise Gauge Checker Tool
11. Large Gauge Checker Tool (4 inch)
12. Extra Large Gauge Checker Tool (5 inch)

What is Wraps Per Inch (WPI)?

WPI is a technique used to assess the thickness of yarn by counting how many times it can be wrapped around an object within the span of one inch. This measurement helps identify the yarn’s weight category, which is essential for selecting appropriate patterns and ensuring your finished piece has the correct dimensions and drape.

How to Measure WPI

To measure WPI, you’ll need:

• A ruler
• A cylindrical object with a consistent circumference, such as a pencil or knitting needle

Follow these steps:

1. Wrap the Yarn: Secure one end of the yarn and wrap it around the pencil for a few inches. Ensure the wraps are snug but not too tight, and that they lie side by side without overlapping or leaving gaps.
2. Measure the Wraps: Using the ruler, count the number of wraps that fit within one inch. It’s advisable to measure in a few different spots to get an accurate average.
3. Determine Yarn Weight: Compare your WPI count to the standard yarn weight categories to identify your yarn’s weight.

Standard Yarn Weight Categories and WPI

Here’s a reference chart to help you match your WPI measurement to the corresponding yarn weight:

Yarn Weight Category	Yarn Names	Ply (UK, NZ, AU)	*WPI Range
Lace [0]	Light Fingering, Lace, Cobweb, Thread	3 ply, 2 ply, 1 ply	30–40+
Super Fine [1]	Fingering	4 ply	14-30
Fine [2]	Sport	5 ply	12–13
Light [3]	DK	8 ply	10-11
Medium [4]	Aran, Worsted	10 ply	8–9
Bulky [5]	Bulky	12 ply	6–7
Super Bulky [6]			5–6
Jumbo [7]			1–4

Note: These ranges are approximate and can vary based on yarn composition and personal tension. Always create a gauge swatch before starting your project to ensure accuracy. *Most common WPI range.

Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Consistent Tension: Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly or leaving it too loose during wrapping, as this can skew the results.
• Practice: If you’re new to measuring WPI, practice with yarns of known weights to get a feel for the process.
• Use a WPI Tool: Consider using a dedicated WPI tool or a notched ruler designed for this purpose to simplify the measurement process.

By understanding and utilizing WPI, you can make informed decisions about yarn substitutions and ensure your crochet projects turn out as intended.

How to Check Gauge Successfully

Getting the right gauge is key to ensuring your project turns out the correct size. This is especially important when making items like clothing! Here’s how to check it in a simple, step-by-step way:

1. Make a Swatch: Using the yarn, hook, and stitch pattern mentioned in your pattern’s gauge instructions, crochet a small sample square. Usually you want to chain enough stitches to allow yourself a 4 to 5 inch square.
2. Measure Carefully: Once your sample square (swatch) is complete, measure to check its size. Count the number of stitches across in 4 inches and the number of rows tall in 4 inches.
3. Adjust if Needed: If your swatch is too small (you have more stitches per inch and rows per inch than the pattern specifies), switch to a larger hook and try again. If it’s too big (fewer stitches per inch and rows per inch), go down to a smaller hook. Repeat until your swatch matches the pattern’s gauge.
4. Stay Consistent: Once you’ve matched the gauge, check your work periodically as you crochet. Measure the width of your project every few inches to make sure your tension hasn’t changed. As we crochet we tend to relax and so does our gauge!

Taking the time to check and adjust your gauge might seem tedious, but it saves frustration in the long run and ensures your project turns out perfectly!

TIP: When you need to measure your gauge in rounds, chain a long chain and join it into a circle then work in rounds until you have a swatch large enough to measure your stitches and rows per inch. We tend to crochet different tensions depending if we work in rounds vs rows!

Images used in this collage were done so as part of the Etsy Affiliate Program with Awin.

References for the article: Craft Yarn Council and Ravelry

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Happy crocheting!

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