How to Gauge a Ribbed Pattern, How to fix Off Gauge and Uneven Tension, TTT Part 1, Ep. 2

Tree Trunk Tutorial Series (TTT) — Part 1, Episode 2 This tutorial demonstrates the gauge and sizing principles used in the original Tree Trunk European Shoulder Construction — the foundation that later evolved into my Form & Fit© and Pick & Match© systems. Ribbed fabrics behave differently from flat stockinette, and small gauge differences can significantly affect sweater size, fit, and elasticity. In this episode we therefore focus on how to create reliable swatches, interpret gauge correctly, and use stitch counts strategically when choosing sweater size and positive ease. One of the strengths of the Tree Trunk sizing structure is its flexibility when working with alternative yarns and slightly different gauges. By using the size conversion table together with your measured stitch count, it becomes possible to adjust size selection strategically in order to maintain the positive ease and fit expression you prefer — even when substituting yarns. In this tutorial we therefore also look at how stitch count differences influence finished sweater circumference, and how the sizing structure can be used to compensate for gauge variations. Topics covered in this tutorial: • measuring ribbed swatches before and after blocking • understanding elasticity and gauge stability • adjusting sweater size based on stitch count • working with positive ease • fixing uneven tension when knitting flat and in the round • troubleshooting off-gauge problems • blocking and relaxation of wool fabric • flexible cast-on techniques for ribbed fabrics The original Tree Trunk designs were developed as an early-generation shoulder construction system. The later Form & Fit© versions evolved further using fit and proportion principles inspired by tailoring and garment engineering from the sewing industry. These tutorials therefore focus on construction principles and knitting techniques, while the newer Form & Fit© and Pick & Match© patterns contain the expanded shaping systems, modular sizing structure, and tailoring guidance. Original Tree Trunk patterns: Male Edition (drop shoulder): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Children’s Edition (drop shoulder): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Female Edition: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Second-generation Form & Fit© Tree Trunk patterns: Male Cardigan (set-in sleeve): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Female Cardigan (set-in sleeve): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Male Sweater (set-in sleeve): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Female Sweater (set-in sleeve): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr... Additional resources and support: ☕ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/ingesknittinglab On Ko-Fi you can find: • Tailoring Fit Guides • shaping and fit resources • pattern support material • designer access options • behind-the-scenes design content • additional ways to support the continued development of tutorials and patterns Find me here: YouTube: @Ingesknittinglab Instagram:   / ingesknittinglab   Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/people/IngesK... Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro 02:05 — Measuring a ribbed swatch before blocking 06:14 — Measuring a ribbed swatch after blocking 09:15 — Off-gauge after blocking (inches) and effect on sweater circumference 12:15 — Off-gauge after blocking (cm) and effect on sweater circumference 14:43 — Positive ease and sweater fit - an example 18:47 — Flexible cast-on for the swatch 26:10 — Uneven tension when knitting flat 28:15 — Possible causes of uneven tension - knitting style 29:35 — Solutions and tension tips 33:38 — Uneven tension when transitioning to knitting in the round 36:06 — Off-gauge before blocking: stitch count 38:35 — Causes and solutions — “the devil is hidden in the detail” 40:38 — Off-gauge before blocking: row count 42:18 — Soaking the gauge swatch 44:44 — Blocking and pinning the swatch 48:50 — Releasing the pins and waiting for fabric relaxation 50:35 — 3 days later: elasticity equilibrium reached 51:58 — Results and conclusions Reference: https://techknitting.blogspot.com An excellent resource for knitters interested in the technical side of knitting.