DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN  12, 7, and 5 GUAGE

When choosing your knitwear it is important to select a sweater that is right for you. If you are trying to keep warm as well as look good make sure you choose your sweater so that it is fit for purpose. Whether it is a lightweight vest layer or a more substantial winter jumper it is good to understand the gauge to pick the perfect knitwear for the climate or purpose for which it was intended.

What does Gauge Refer to in Knitting?

Gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch in a knitted fabric (or per 1.5 inches in some manufacturing). It tells you about the tightness, texture and weight of the fabric once it has been knit. To this end, the higher the gauge count, the finer and lighter the fabric. Gauge is determined by the machine needle spacing and the tension of the knit, not by the yarn thickness alone.

At Misty Cashmere, we use three primary gauges in our collections:

12 gauge cashmere: lightweight and elegant

• Stitches per inch: 12
• Feel: Fine, breathable, lightweight, smooth
• Best for: A touch of warmth, layering
• Misty Cashmere style: Women's 100% fine knit cashmere vest/camisole

Styling Tip:

Wear on its own in warmer months or as a luxury base layer with other pieces when cooler.

Women's cashmere vest - cashmere 12gg

7 gauge cashmere/merino, yak: balanced and versatile

• Stitches per inch: 7
• Feel: Midweight, soft structure
• Best for: All-year wear, smart casual look
• Misty Cashmere styles: Men's zip neck jumper, men's open neck jumper with bamboo buttons, women's high collar jumpers, women's roll neck jumpers, women's pocket cardigans

Styling Tip:

Perfect for everyday use and can be dressed up or down, working well with trousers or jeans; the cardigan for women works well with dresses or skirts.

Men's Zip Neck Jumper - cashmere/merino 7gg

Men's Button Jumper -  cashmere/merino 7gg

Men's Zip Neck Jumper - yak 7gg

Women's High Collar Jumper - cashmere/merino 7gg

Women's Pocket Cardigan - cashmere/merino 7gg

Women's Roll Neck Jumper - cashmere/merino 7gg

5 Gauge cashmere/merino: chunky and cosy

• Stitches per inch: 5
• Feel: Thick, warm, textured
• Best for: Cold weather, relaxed layering
• Misty Cashmere style: Men's open neck jumper with corozo buttons in grey marl, women's cardigan in green/blue marl

Styling Tip:

Perfect to wear with trousers or jeans for an autumn or winter cosy countryside weekend feel.

Women's Pocket Cardigan - cashmere/merino - cashmere/merino 5gg

Men's Button Neck Jumper - cashmere/merino 5gg

What Does 'Ply' Refer to in Knitting?

If 'gauge' refers to knitting density, then 'ply' refers to the yarn thickness and the number of individual strands twisted together to make a single yarn. For example, 2-ply is two fine threads spun together, and 4-ply is four threads twisted into one and is generally thicker and warmer than 2-ply. However, ply doesn't automatically equal thickness, as two yarns can both be 2-ply, but one could be thicker if each of its individual strands is heavier.

Final Thoughts

Knitting gauge isn't just technical - it's a reflection of design intention, seasonal style, and how you want to feel in your cashmere. Whether you choose the elegance of 12 gauge or the cocooning warmth of 5 gauge, our knitwear is designed for comfort, warmth and style.

Because we use natural fibres, whatever the gauge, all the Misty Cashmere knitwear is lightweight, breathable and self-regulating - perfect for colder autumn and winter days but also perfect for spring and cool British summer evenings!