When choosing luxury knitwear, understanding knitting gauge can make all the difference. Whether you are looking for a lightweight cashmere layer, an all-round everyday jumper, or a cosy winter knit, selecting the right gauge ensures your sweater is fit for purpose - both in style and warmth.
In this guide, we explain the differences between 12 gauge, 7 gauge, and 5 gauge knitwear, and help you choose the perfect knitwear weight you are looking for.
What Is Knitting Gauge?
In knitwear, gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch (or per 1.5 inches in industrial knitting). It determines the density, weight, texture, and drape of the finished garment.
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Higher gauge = more stitches per inch = finer, lighter knit
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Lower gauge = fewer stitches per inch = thicker, warmer knit
Gauge is set by the knitting machine needle spacing and stitch tension, not simply by the thickness of the yarn. This is why the same yarn can feel very different depending on the gauge used.
At Misty Cashmere, we work with three carefully selected gauges across our cashmere, merino, and yak collections: 12 gauge, 7 gauge, and 5 gauge.
12 Gauge Cashmere – Lightweight and Elegant
Stitches per inch: 12
Feel: Fine, smooth, breathable, lightweight
Best for: Light warmth, layering, refined silhouettes
A 12 gauge cashmere sweater is our lightest and most delicate knit. The fine stitch density creates a smooth, elegant fabric that feels almost weightless against the skin while still offering gentle insulation.
Misty Cashmere style: Women’s 100% fine-knit cashmere vest / camisole
Styling Tip
Wear on its own during warmer months or use as a luxury base layer under shirts, jumpers or coats in cooler weather.
7 Gauge Cashmere/Merino and Yak – Balanced and Versatile
Stitches per inch: 7
Feel: Midweight, softly structured, comfortable
Best for: Year-round wear, smart-casual styling
The 7 gauge sweater is lightweight but has a substantial feel. It offers the perfect balance between warmth and breathability, making it ideal for everyday wear across multiple seasons.
Misty Cashmere styles:
Men's Zip Neck Jumper with Boiled Wool Zip Trim
Women's Pocket Cardigan in Pink
Styling Tip
The Jumpers can be worn dressed up with tailored trousers or dressed down with jeans for both men and women. Our 7 gauge cardigans pair beautifully with dresses and skirts for an effortless, layered look.
5 Gauge Cashmere/Merino – Chunky and Cosy
Stitches per inch: 5
Feel: Thick, textured, warm
Best for: Cold weather, relaxed layering
A 5 gauge knit is our chunkiest and warmest option. The looser stitch structure traps more air, providing excellent insulation while maintaining the natural breathability of cashmere and merino.
Misty Cashmere styles:
Men’s Button Neck Jumper - grey marl
Women’s cardigan - green/blue marl
Styling Tip
Perfect with jeans or trousers for an autumn or winter countryside feel - ideal for weekends, travel, and colder climates.
What Does Ply Mean in Knitting?
While gauge refers to stitch density, ply refers to the yarn construction - specifically, how many individual strands are twisted together to make one yarn.
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2-ply: Two fine strands twisted together
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4-ply: Four strands twisted together, generally thicker and warmer
However, ply does not automatically determine thickness. Two yarns can both be 2-ply but differ in weight depending on the thickness of each strand.
In quality knitwear, gauge and ply work together to create the final feel, weight, and performance of the garment.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Gauge Knitwear
Knitting gauge isn’t just a technical detail - it reflects design intention, seasonality, and how you want to feel in your knitwear.
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Choose 12 gauge for elegance and lightweight layering
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Choose 7 gauge for versatile, year-round comfort
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Choose 5 gauge for cosy warmth and relaxed winter styling
Because we use natural fibres - cashmere, merino, and yak - all Misty Cashmere knitwear is lightweight, breathable, and naturally temperature self-regulating. That makes our sweaters ideal not only for autumn and winter, but also for spring days and cool British summer evenings!