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Gauge

Swatch shrinkage calculator

Yarn can shrink or grow when washed. Measure your swatch before and after, and find out how long to knit so the finished piece comes out right.

Measure the same section of your swatch before and after washing.

How to use it

  1. Mark a section of your swatch, measure it, then wash and dry it as you will the finished piece.
  2. Measure the same section again.
  3. Enter the finished length you want to see how long to knit before washing.

Questions

Does knitting shrink when washed?

Some does: wool that isn't superwash can shrink or felt, and cotton can shrink in length. Superwash wool and many plant fibers often grow instead, so always wash your swatch.

How do I adjust for shrinkage?

Divide the length you want by the after-washing size and multiply by the before size. If 10 inches became 9, knit 11.1 inches to finish at 10.

Should I measure gauge before or after washing?

After. The washed gauge is what the finished piece will have, so match that to the pattern.

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