Like the old saying in real estate “location, location, location!” is the most important attribute, when converting knit or crochet patterns “gauge, gauge, gauge!” is the most important element.

From the original pattern gauge, find a comparable gauge in the desired work. For example, if the original pattern is for knit with a 4 sts & 6 rows = 1” gauge, work a crochet test swatch in the desired yarn and appropriate hook and try to get 4 sts = 1" (the larger the swatch, the more accurate your measurements will be.). Since crochet stitches are usually taller than knit stitches, you may have to work only one row of crochet to equal 2 rows of knit.

From the original pattern, sketch out the finished garment marking it with the measurements figured from the original gauge. A calculator will help. Next, with your new gauge, calculate the measurements needed and mark your sketch accordingly.

For example, the original pattern gauge is 4 sts & 6 rows = 1”. Your new gauge is 4 sts & 3 rows = 1”. The original pattern says to work even for 24 rows. To figure the new number of rows:
1. Remembering fractions from math class, realize that in the original pattern 6 rows/1” = 24 rows/4”.
2. Plugging in the unknown numbers of rows of the new pattern: 3 rows/1” = unknown number of rows/4”.
3. Cross multiple and divide: (3 rows)(4”)/1” = unknown number of rows.
4. Therefore, unknown number of rows = 12 rows for the new pattern.

Knit or crochet your garment from the new sketch. Measure your work regularly as you work and compare it to the original pattern sketch.

NOTE: when converting from knit to crochet, the finished garment will use approximately 33% more yarn than called for in the knitting pattern.

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