Northern Lights Beanie: Sizing
Do you get totally intimidated by figuring out what size hat to make for someone?
If so, you’re not alone! Here are a few things I recommend to make sizing easier.
First, no matter what size hat you are making, you need to make a gauge swatch first. I hear your protesting… but seriously you do. Here’s why:
Not all yarns are created equal. Even if they are labelled the same “Bulky 5 weight” they can vary greatly in thickness. Example: If your yarn is thicker then mine, your hat will end up much bigger.
We don’t all crochet the same. You might crochet loosely, I might crochet tight… In the end, your stitches might be a lot bigger than mine.
Most importantly, do you really want to make an entire hat just to find out it doesn’t fit???
How to Gauge Swatch:
Grab your hook and your yarn.
Chain 21 stitches, turn, half double crochet into the 2nd chain from hook and each remaining chain. (20 hdc)
Chain 1. Turn. Half double crochet into each stitch. (20 hdc)
Repeat step 2 until swatch is about 5” tall.
Don’t cut your yarn, you can pull out your gauge swatch once you’re done measuring it.
One of the hardest things with a crocheted gauge swatch is knowing how to measure it. After you’re done crocheting your work is probably a bit tight.
What I like to do is give it a gentle but firm stretch in all directions. Then lay it flat and gently push it back to normal size. Basically, the initial stretch gets the stitches to fall into place, then pushing it back to a normal size makes sure you aren’t measuring a stretched-out version.
Now that it’s laying flat, lay a ruler in the middle of the swatch and count how many stitches fit in 4” across. Then turn your ruler and measure how many rows to make it 4” tall.
Note: When measuring always measure the middle of your swatch.
Your Gauge should measure 11 stitches wide and 10 rows tall to make up the 4”.
If your gauge isn’t perfect and is off by only a tiny bit, then I wouldn’t worry, just keep that in mind when you are crocheting. You might need to crochet a bigger or smaller size in the pattern. If you’re really off, you’ll need to go down or up a hook size to match the gauge of the pattern.
Please keep in mind that you cannot use a different weight of yarn then the pattern recommends. Using a worsted instead of a bulky will not work. No matter if you use a much bigger hook and make your gauge correct.
If your gauge is correct but your swatch is really loose or really tight and stiff, then it’s likely that your yarn isn’t suitable for this project. It’s too thick or too thin.
Now that we have all that out of the way, let’s start crocheting!
Head to:
Northern Lights Beanie Pattern - Part 1
Head back to:
Colour Inspiration
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