What is Tension?

Tension is both the description of your finished knitted fabric and the method for determining the size of your finished hand knit item. It is calculated by the number of stitches and the number of rows that will produce 10cm of knitted fabric.

 

Tension is important because knitting is quite unique. There are two things going on at the same time when you knit: you are creating the fabric at the same time as making the shape of the item you are making. You do not cut the knitted fabric into shape at the end. So tension is the way of determining that you end up with the right size of fabric and also a correct fit after all your time and effort.

 

Tension is linked to the size as well as the and overall finish of your knitting. There will be a guide to the tension measurements either on the yarn label on a ball of yarn or in the knitting pattern instructions. The tension guide will tell you how many stitches and how many rows will give 10cm of knitted fabric. Working to the tension guide means that can plan and predict the number of stitches and how many rows to give the dimensions you need.

 

Working to the same tension throughout also means that all your stitches will be the same size giving a neat professional look to your knitting. Some would argue that unevenness and the odd mistake adds to the character and gives the handmade, homespun touch. Decide for yourself!
So you do need to check and adjust your tension to ensure success and for a visually pleasing appearance to your knitting.