Gauge & Shrinkage Calculator - Full Guide

Every yarn behaves differently after the first wash. This guide shows how to measure your gauge before/after washing, read the change, and recalc stitches & rows for your garment. You can also save swatches for later.

1) How the calculator works

  • Captures your pre-wash gauge (sts/rows over a measured area).
  • Captures your post-wash gauge the same way.
  • Compares them → shows change per 10 cm / 4″ and in %.
  • Recalculates cast-on stitches and rows for a target width/height.
  • Lets you name & save swatches locally (in your browser).

Tip: measure over a large area (at least 10×10 cm / 4×4″) for better accuracy.

2) Step-by-step

  1. Swatch before washing. Enter:
    • Number of stitches and rows counted in your measured area.
    • Width and height of that area (cm or inches).
  2. Swatch after washing. Wash & dry the swatch as you’ll treat the garment. Measure again:
    • Stitches, rows, width, height (same area style as before).
  3. Optional garment targets. Enter the desired width and height of the piece.
  4. Click Calculate.

3) Reading the change

The result block shows both gauges and a “change” line:

  • Per 10 cm / 4″: stitches & rows counted over the standard square.
  • Percent change: how much the fabric tightened (more sts/rows) or relaxed (fewer).
  • Interpretation:
    • denser - fabric shrank; expect smaller width/height.
    • looser - fabric relaxed; expect larger width/height.

Focus on percentages - they tell how noticeable the difference will be in the finished item.

4) Garment recalculation

Enter target width and height of your garment and press Calculate.

  • Cast-on stitches are based on the pre-wash gauge.
  • Rows to knit are also based on the pre-wash gauge.

After washing, the final measurements will match your post-wash gauge.

5) Saving swatches

Give the swatch a clear name (e.g., “Feodosiia 230 m/50 g · needles 3.0 mm”) and press Save. Swatches are stored locally in your browser. You can apply them back to the form or delete any time.

6) Examples

Example A
Before wash: 25 sts × 44 rows measured over 14 × 16 cm
After wash: 23 sts × 41 rows measured over 14 × 16 cm
Change: width +8.7%, height -7.3%
For a garment 60 cm wide × 50 cm high → cast on 107 sts, knit 137 rows.

7) Troubleshooting

  • Dash (-) in results - make sure all 4 numbers are filled for both states (sts, rows, width, height).
  • Weird % - re-measure the same area style before/after (don’t change where you count).
  • Targets look off - remember cast-on/rows are pre-wash; final size equals post-wash gauge.
  • Saved swatches missing on another device - they’re local to the current browser.

8) Disclaimer

The tool estimates based on your measurements. Always knit a swatch and follow care instructions for your yarn.