The only way to determine your gauge is to make a swatch (sample of knitting) using the same stitch and same kind of yarn and using the same size needles you plan to use to knit your project.
Tension is the number of stitches and rows to an inch and is also called stitch gauge. The tension along with the stitch pattern determines the size and shape of a garment. Using different size needles than recommended by the pattern will not affect the work as much as having the correct gauge will, although if you do use the needle size recommended, your work should be close to that suggested by the pattern. Tension varies between knitters which is why it is a good idea to knit a swatch before beginning a new project. If you are knitting sweaters this is really important, else you can end up with a finished sweater that is either much larger or much smaller than you wanted. The swatch should be approximately six inches square.
To measure the gauge, place the sample on a padded surface, smooth it out and count the number of stitches in that are recommended in the gauge given in the instructions. Generally, you would count the number of stitches in two full inches of the swatch. Half of this number will make up your gauge for one inch. For beginning knitters, it is usually easier to measure gauge by using the stockinette stitch. By using this stitch, you will more easily be able to differentiate between the stitches and the rows. If you have more stitches per inch than the pattern recommends, you have knit the gauge more tightly than the "average" and should try knitting another swatch using slightly larger needles. If you have fewer than the recommended stitches, your stitches are more loose than the "average" and you should knit another swatch using slightly smaller needles. Keep changing your needles or tension until your gauge is exactly correct.
JoAnn Freeman operates http://www.my-knitting-site.com a blog that is all about knitting. She will be talking about knitting and taking some of the mystery out of knitting terms and patterns. Her newsletter will include information of where to find free patterns.
http://www.my-knitting-site.com
Source: www.articletrader.com
