# [Measure blocking changes on both axes](https://threadcabin.com/explore/110/measure-blocking-changes-on-both-axes)

> Record width and height independently before and after finishing. A sample can grow wider while becoming shorter.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/110/measure-blocking-changes-on-both-axes
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:33.1941301+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.3784616+00:00
- Primary image: [Measure blocking changes on both axes — example diagram](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/s28-plan.png)

Record width and height independently before and after finishing. A sample can grow wider while becoming shorter.

## Before you start

Gather the measurements, counts or timing sample needed below. Record their units and whether they describe a sample, the whole project or one purchased package. Use a finished sample when dimensions or material use depend on fabric structure.

## Try this example

A 10 × 10 cm sample becoming 11 × 9 cm changes by +10% in width and −10% in height. A comparable 40 × 60 cm piece projects to 44 × 54 cm.

## Check your result

- Recheck the inputs against the actual sample or label, keep units consistent and round only the final count or purchase. Repeat a sample if a small measuring difference changes the decision.
- These arithmetic examples assume the measured structure stays comparable. Shaping, borders, dense textures and color changes require their own allowances or samples.

## Sources

- [www.purlsoho.com: all about gauge](https://www.purlsoho.com/create/all-about-gauge/)
- [www.craftyarncouncil.com: yarn weight system](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Gauge is a fabric measurement, not a needle promise](https://threadcabin.com/explore/2/gauge-is-a-fabric-measurement-not-a-needle-promise)
- [Block knitting and crochet without guessing at fiber care](https://threadcabin.com/explore/21/block-knitting-and-crochet-without-guessing-at-fiber-care)
- [Blocking change projection](https://threadcabin.com/tools/blocking-change-projection)

## [Blocking change projection](https://threadcabin.com/tools/blocking-change-projection)

Project finished dimensions from the measured change in your blocked swatch.

Measure the same marked sample before finishing and again when completely dry and rested. Keep width paired with width and height with height.  The result predicts comparable fabric behavior; it is not an instruction to stretch a project to those dimensions.

Width and height use their own measured after-to-before ratios. This is a projection from your swatch, not a safe stretching target.

- Swatch width: 10 cm
- Swatch height: 10 cm
- Swatch width: 11 cm
- Swatch height: 9 cm
- Project width: 40 cm
- Project height: 60 cm