KNITTING TENSIONS

We recommend that you knit a tension swatch before you start on any new yarn. This may save you a lot of time later. A swatch should be at least six inches square.

All tensions listed below are in stocking stitch unless otherwise stated.

2-Ply

Either 32 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 3 1/4 mm (US 3) needle, or 34 stitches and 42 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 3 1/4 mm (US 3) needle, depending upon the manufacturer. Check the ball band and pattern.

3-Ply

32 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 3 1/4 mm (US 3) needle.

 4-Ply Fingering

28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 3 1/4 mm (US 3)needle. In the US the term 4-Ply is used for Knitting Worsted. Check your pattern carefully to determine which yarn you need.

5-Ply

Used in Australia. 26 stitches to 10 cm (4 inches) on a 3.75 mm (US 5) needle. See also Quickerknit

8-Ply

Used in Australia for Double Knitting or DK.

12-Ply

Used in Australia. 17 stitches and 23 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) on a 5.5 mm (US 9) needle. It is reported to knit up as an Aran but check your tension first!

Aran

19 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 4 1/2 mm (US 7) needle. Some knitters use Knitting Worsted instead, but check your tension carefully first!



Bulky

14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 6 mm (US 10) needle.

Chunky

15 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 6 mm (US 10) needle. In the UK what is referred to as a chunky is what Canadians call a Bulky. Again check your pattern and tension carefully.

Double Knitting (DK)

22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 4 mm (US 6) needle.

Knitting Worsted

20 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 4 1/2 mm (US 7) needle.

Mohair

Mohair generally knits up as a Chunky but the Patons Impressions Mohair knits to 14 stitches to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 6 mm (US 10) needle, so check your pattern and tension first!

Quickerknit

26 stitches to 10 cm (4 inches) on a 3.75 mm (US 5) needle. Popular yarn in the UK, mainly for baby and toddler outfits. Not generally available in North America.

Sportsweight Yarn

24 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm. (4 inches) on a 3 3/4 mm (US 5) needle. Some yarns such as Astra knit up as Sportsweight or a Double Knit. It should be possible to interchange these two weights, but check your tension first! Knitting Backwards

Perfect Buttonhole

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