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Tension Dial ( )
Controls how much yarn is used for each stitch—affects fabric tightness and gauge.
The tension dial controls how much yarn is fed into each stitch, affecting stitch size and overall fabric tension.
Found on the knitting machine carriage, the dial adjusts the tightness or looseness of the stitches:
Lower numbers = tighter knitting (smaller stitches)
Higher numbers = looser knitting (larger stitches)
Most machines use a range of 0–10. Your ideal setting depends on the yarn, stitch pattern, and desired fabric feel. Always record the dial setting when knitting a swatch so you can duplicate your results later.
Tension Example
Set the tension dial to 6 for smooth stockinette, then try 8 for a softer, looser fabric.