Caliber (knitting)

The gauge is calculated on a statin with needles, on any knitting machine, straight or circular. A measuring tape (preferably metal) with a bend at the edge 00 (the beginning of the measuring tape) is horizontally inserted into the channel between the needles and stretches 4-5 inches, then the number of needle channels between the edge 00 and the mark 1 inch is counted; the total number of channels will give an idea of ​​how many needles are contained in 1 inch, and, consequently, the size of the gauge of the knitting machine. This operation will also give an idea of ​​the type of yarn, or the size of the yarn that can be used in a particular knitting machine, and determine the final thickness or quality of the final knitted fabric.

There are 2 types of classification of knitting Gauges or units:

• A - Used for flat-woven machines using cotton yarn , where the caliber is 1.5 inches (2.54 cm x 1.5), and the size of the caliber of any machine is determined by the number of needles contained in the caliber or 1.5 inches.
• B - Used in manual, mechanical or modern electric flat machines, where the “Caliber” has been fixed to reach 1 inch exactly (2.5 cm) and the size of the “Caliber” of the machine is expressed by the number of needles contained in the Caliber or 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

Comparative Gauge (GG) scale of system A relative to system B: 30 GG (A) of flat-woven machines using cotton yarn (30 needles in 1.5 inches) is equal to 20 GG (B) of electric flat machines, 27 GG (A) - this is 18 GG (B), 18 GG (A) is 12 GG (B), 12 GG (A) is 8 GG (B), 7.5 GG (A) is 5 GG (B) and 4, 5 GG (A) is 3 GG (B).

• June Hemmons Hiatt (1988) The Principles of Knitting , Simon and Schuster, pp. 415-432. ISBN 0-671-55233-3 (English)