Quick Summary
Understanding knitwear gauge and how to choose the right gauge for your collection, from chunky knits to fine gauges.
Gauge is one of the most important technical decisions in knitwear design. It determines the look, feel, weight, and cost of your garment.
In knitting, Gauge in knitwear refers to the number of needles per inch on the knitting machine. A higher gauge means more needles per inch, producing a finer, tighter fabric. A lower gauge means fewer needles, creating a looser, chunkier knit.
Chunky gauges hold their shape and create volume. Fine gauges drape more like woven fabric. Choose accordingly:
Some stitch patterns work better on certain gauges:
| Gauge | Relative Cost Factor |
|---|---|
| 3GG-5GG | 1.0x (baseline) |
| 7GG-9GG | 1.2-1.4x |
| 12GG-14GG | 1.5-2.0x |
Fine gauge production requires more machine time and higher skill levels, hence higher cost.
Ask yourself these questions:
Our partner factories operate across the full 3GG-14GG range with 700+ computerized machines from Shima Seiki, Stoll, and Cixing. This extensive range means we can produce everything from chunky oversized knits to fine lightweight tops under one sourcing relationship.
Need help selecting the right gauge for your collection? Contact our team for expert guidance.
Interested in discussing your knitwear sourcing needs?
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