Knitting to the diagram

Measurements & gauge, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.

Earlier this month, I taught two classes 👩🏼‍🏫 in the Lambtown Festival - one on short row heel construction & fit and another for beginner crochet. In both classes, we touched on measurements and gauge. Someone remarked that the class they took the previous day had also been about measurements, despite the title not suggesting it.  

Knitting 🧶 (and other fiber crafts) is, at its core, the process of making fabric, so measuring is unavoidable. When we start learning, our focus is often on the mechanics of stitches. But as we progress, our attention shifts to achieving even stitches, precise measurements, and learning to count and calculate. I try to incorporate these concepts whenever possible, even in my beginner classes.

At first glance, projects like blankets, shawls, and cowls may not seem to require precise measurements because they don’t need to fit as snugly as socks, mitts, hats, or sweaters. However, it can be quite disappointing if they turn out significantly larger or smaller than intended. 

Measurement even plays a role in decorative items, such as amigurumi, where accurate dimensions help create a convincing character 🧸 and convey the right expression. Similarly, cushion covers must fit pillows properly, and water bottle slings need to accommodate an average bottle.

Whatever we are knitting, the goal is to create fabric with specific measurements. 📏 Sometimes, we get caught up in related tasks like “meeting gauge” or “row counting.” We need to do those things, but all the while inching towards the intended measurement. (Pun intended!  😀)

A test-knitter who was helping me with my brioche shawl pattern,  didn’t match my row gauge. She asked if she were to knit to the diagram (schematic) or knit the number of rows mentioned in the pattern. I thought it was such a clever way of phrasing it. 

Have you faced any measurement disappointments in your knitting lately? How did you fix them? Let's talk about those in comments. 💗

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. Mika Vest is finished and blocked. I am adding button bands, currently. I will be starting the process of grading soon. 🤞

   

   Mika Vest - Blocking

2. I have written a small series of classes for Basic Crochet Skill Building which are up on Fillory Website currently. Please check it out if you are interested.

3. I will keep you posted on my other designs - Fluens Tee (currently in testing) and a new sock design as I make progress. I post about these on my Instagram stories as well, if you like to see more updates. 💞

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OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

Anna from Knit Current invited me to share my journey as a knitter and designer, and I was happy to oblige. We had a wonderful conversation, about everything from knitting and the balance of work and family life to the experience of living in places where the local language isn’t your first. Anna, originally from Germany, has traveled extensively and now lives in Denmark. Though our paths have taken us through different parts of the world, I found myself closely relating to many of her experiences.

You can read the full interview in her blog.

READING UPDATES

Currently Reading 📖

• Killing Floor - Lee Child

• The Extended Mind - Annie Murphy Paul

Until next time,

Kavitha. ♡

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