Swatching is probably my least favorite part of knitting. It runs a close second to weaving in all the yarn tails. When it’s time to begin a new project, I’m always so excited to start and there’s an inner battle . . swatch or don’t swatch. It only matters (to me) with projects that need to fit. For non-knitters, each pattern will indicate a gauge . . say 20 stitches over 4″. Because all knitters have a different tension on their yarn, several of us using the same yarn could get a complete different gauge. If the pattern is written for 20 stitches over 4″, and I’m getting 24 stitches over 4″, then my garment is going to be too small. With the recommended gauge, 80 stitches would equal 16″. But with 24 stitches over 4″, the piece would be about 13-1/2″. When making a sweater that has maybe 200 stitches on the needles, that could make a huge difference . . at the correct gauge, you would have 40″. At 24 stitches over 4″, you would have about 33-1/2″.
Swatch
I’m just about to finish up my Dunbar wrap and begin a new sweater so I took a break from Dunbar and swatched for the new project. For this project, I’m not concerned about rows so much as stitches per inch so I did a fairly short swatch. If rows mattered, I’d have made it about 6″ x 6″.
Sheri at The Loopy Ewe has a great blog article on swatching. Knitters, or knitter wannabes, you may want to check it out. It encouraged me to swatch every time . . even though I’ll probably have that argument with myself before every project.
A reader recently shared this tip: When swatching, tie knots in the tail to respresent the size needle being used. I was using a size 6 needle so I tied 6 knots in the tail. That way, until I get my swatch filed away in my little swatch notebook, I can look at it and know it was knitted on a size 6 needle.
If I’m determined to use a particular yarn for a project, and the swatch isn’t correct, I can go up or down a needle size, or maybe two, to get the correct gauge. In the end, it really isn’t that much work to be sure the garment I’m making is going to fit.
Sue K says
I lost interest in knitting because I was too lazy to swatch – consequently nothing fit right! I must have really loose tension because I always had to go down 2 needle sizes.
Deb says
I am like most others that don’t like to swatch. I always think that I may need that extra yarn. However, I really do need to start doing that. The knot idea is really terrific! Will definitely use that idea.
Linda says
I really like the knot idea, thanks reader. Judy could you post a picture of your swatch notebook?
Thanks
Judy S says
Thanks for the knot idea; it’s a good one!
Michelle says
When I’m making a sweater in a small size (baby or toddler) I start with a sleeve and use that as my swatch.
Tracy says
I am just finishing a sweater that I didn’t check my gauge for, yep, its pretty “roomy”. It will be an around the house sweater. I also just started a sweater/wrap called Modern Wrapper, which I did swatch for, had to go down a needle size. It is a one size fits all, but I didn’t want it to be a sleeping bag. With me, I am usually too lazy to swatch. I figure that my knitting is pretty consistent, I go with what the pattern recommends for yarn and needles. I skip right to the fun part. I figure there is always someone who’d like a hand knit sweater.
JudyL says
I rarely use the exact same yarn as the designer used and if I’m going to make it for me, I want to keep it and I want it to fit. The swatching really doesn’t take long and with a little planning ahead, it can be soaked and blocked by the time I’m ready to start a new project.
Dar in MO says
This was good information. I am just starting out to knit and I’ don’t like taking the time to swatch either. Is there a video that might show how to hold your hands/needles using 5 dpn for sock making? I’m having a hard time manuevering them and knitting smoothly in the round with them. Thanks for any help or tips .
Viki says
Swatches are imperative with this beginner knitter. I am a very tight knitter and learned on my first sweater swatch, I needed to use a needle THREE times the size called for in the pattern! My sweater would have fit a child if I’d not swatted.