Tension and Gauge
♥ Ensuring you have the correct tension and gauge will mean you have plenty of yarn in your pack.
♥ Once you have your chosen yarn, make a tiny square as shown below.
♥ For DK [double knit] yarns use a 4mm/G hook.
The exception to this is the Stylecraft Naturals range which recommends a 3.5mm E hook.
♥ For Aran yarn use a 5.5mm/I hook
If you would like to learn more about tension, and how to perfect yours, please take a look at this post Talking Tension, and there is a video to help you.
Please note all my video tutorials are in US terminology.

Testing Tension and Gauge
US terms in blue – UK terms in red
1. Starting with a magic ring, ch 5 [counts as dc/tr plus ch-2], [Photo1]
(3 dc/tr, ch 2) 3 times, 2 dc/tr. [Photo 2]
Join to 3rd ch with a sl-st.
Stitch count: per side: 3 dc/tr, 1 ch-2 corner space.
2. Ch 3 [counts as dc/tr],
(in ch-2 corner space (2 dc/tr, ch 2, 2 dc/tr), dc/tr in next 3 sts) 4 times, omit last dc/tr. [Photo 3]
Join to top of ch-3, fasten off, and secure ends.
Stitch count: per side: 7 dc/tr, 1 ch-2 corner space.