Needle Gauge

Definition

A measurement system indicating the number of knitting needles per unit of width on a knitting machine, determining the fineness or coarseness of the knit. Higher gauge numbers produce finer knits — 18-gauge for lightweight jersey, 12-gauge for standard sweatshirt fabric, 7-gauge for chunky knits. Gauge directly affects fabric weight, stitch definition, and the types of garments that can be produced.