Swatching: It’s Not Just for Gauge Anymore
November 16th, 2009
It doesn’t take long for a new knitter or crocheter to learn about the importance of making a gauge swatch: one badly off-size project usually convinces even the most gung-ho non-swatcher. Learning to make and measure a gauge swatch properly is one of the most important steps on the road to a great finished project. I’ve noticed that most of the knitters and crocheters I know (including myself, I’m sorry to say) tend to skimp on the swatching, doing only enough to make sure they’re getting approximate gauge and then plunging headlong into the project at hand.
By doing this, we’re only short-changing ourselves. Not only can getting the proper gauge solve a number of problems, a gauge swatch can tell you much more than just whether you’re getting the requisite number of stitches and rows per inch. Your gauge swatch is the most important place to start learning what your final project will look and feel like. This is particularly important if you’ve chosen to use a different yarn or even color than the one called for in the pattern.
You might find, for instance, that even though you are getting the correct number of stitches and rows per inch, the fabric you are creating is too stiff or too drapey for the project you’re making. Or you might find that the stitch pattern you love just doesn’t show up when worked in the navy yarn you’ve chosen to work with. Better to find out now than after you’ve crocheted half an afghan! Next time you find yourself tempted to skimp or skip the swatch, remind yourself that even though it might seem like a drag now, you’ll be much happier in the end if you do a full, proper swatch.
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9 Responses to “ Swatching: It’s Not Just for Gauge Anymore ”
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November 16th, 2009 at 1:23 pm |
I have finally learned to swatch after making an afgan in a gorgeous deep purple that failed to show the pattern!! What I do now is think of the swatch as part of the pattern. I attach it,all pattern notes I make, and one of the bands with washing instructions, weight etc to the original pattern and keep it as a record of the project. It’s especially nice if I’m gifting the project.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
A persuasive argument for producing a guage. I like the idea of making a sample and attaching pattern notes! What a clever idea.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
I WAS one of those “gung-ho non swatchers” you spoke about. I was going to make a scarf. Now, how hard can that be? I decided to make the scarf length wise. I cast on what I thought to be about the correct number of stitches and off I went. (I was using a different weight yarn, but didn’t think about it at the time) When finished, I started to bind off and bind off. As the yarn was continuing to come off the needle, I knew I was in 15′ of trouble! Thanks for the article.
November 16th, 2009 at 11:45 pm |
I’m still a gung-ho non swatcher! Okay, not entirely true, I’ll swatch to test out new stitch patterns, especially lace. But I find I get a better idea of the actual drape, gauge, stitch definition, etc. if I actually start the project rather than swatching it. I should probably acknowledge, though, that I’ve been knitting and crocheting for nearly 30 years now, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend my approach to someone who’s new at this.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am |
[...] that I’ve convinced you about the importance of swatching, let’s talk about how to properly make a swatch. If you want your swatch to be accurate and [...]
December 4th, 2009 at 4:15 pm |
I make my swatches 8 x 8 incches. This allows me to take a good measurement out of the center of the swatch. The swatch goes into a basket and eventually I have enough to piece an afghan. Waste not, want not.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:36 pm |
I never make swatches and have ripped out a lot or frogged it. This has convinced I am going to make swatches from now on.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:16 am |
What a great idea - 8 inch swatches made into an afghan! Way to go, Beth!
February 1st, 2010 at 5:20 pm |
[...] Swatching: It’s Not Just for Gauge Anymore [...]