For knitting items that need to fit, we’re always instructed to knit a swatch. There are a good many knitters who skip this step. I’m one of the knitters who always knits a swatch . . if it matters. For shawls, scarfs, cowls, socks .. mostly getting close is good enough but for sweaters . . just say 22 stitches should equal 4″ and there are 220 stitches around the hips. That should equal 40″ (and I’m not saying that’s my measurement!). Suppose you’re getting 20 stitches per 4″. Your needed 40″ hip measurement would become 44″. Suppose you’re getting 25 stitches per 4″. Your needed 40″ hip measurement would become 35.2″.
I may know that when I knit Madelinetosh DK on size 6 needles, I get 20 stitches per 4″. But using another DK yarn, I might get a totally different gauge.
See what a difference a swatch makes! And, if it’s a sweater you’re going to be washing, it’s a good idea to wash the swatch as you would the sweater. Some yarns may grow and that changes the gauge. Some yarns may fuzz up with just one washing. Worse, when combining two very different colors, like red and tan, one may run and fade onto the other so swatches really are terribly important.
Here’s a very good example of how one person’s knitting is different from another person’s knitting.
Socks
These two socks were knitted using the exact same yarn, exact same needles and exact same pattern. Nicole knit the sock on the left and I knit the sock on the right. She knits way tighter than I knit. The truth is . . she needs to knit a little looser and I need to knit a little tighter. If we had knitted sweaters, hers would have been too tight and mine would have been too big . . unless we had knitted swatches and made adjustments to our needle sizes to get the recommended gauge.
Seeing these two socks reminded me of the importance of knitting a swatch.
Claudia W says
I know how to knit but haven’t knitted for years. I always used to wonder whether it was better to adjust your needle size or your number of stitches to get the correct gauge after knitting your swatch. Sewing and quilting are now much less stressful for me than knitting. But I like to read about your knitting adventures.
JudyL says
I think it’s always better to adjust needle sizes because if you try to adjust number of stitches, you’re also going to probably have to adjust the number of rows. Sometimes, patterns will say “knit 2” but often, they say “knit 20 rows”. You’re going to run into having to make adjustments around the neck, sleeve openings, sleeve circumference, pockets, number of stitches to pick up for button bands, etc.
I find it much easier to go up or down a needle size til I get the right gauge. Then I can follow the pattern without having to think or make adjustments.
liz n says
Oh yes! My first pair of socks looks just like your example, only I knitted both! If I ever decide to make a sweater, I will heed your advise.
susan says
I read about a knitter who used all of her little square swatches to make a blanket. I was confused. I will often make a swatch to check the gauge etc., but then just pull out the stitches and start on the knitting project. I never thought to save the swatch. But you have an excellent point about test washing the swatch! Thanks for the advice.
JudyL says
I do wash my swatches and dry them as I would the finished sweater. I will throw them in ad rawer and save them for . . something. I don’t unravel mine unless I run short on the yarn and most of the time, I buy extra so I don’t run short.
Sandie says
Another thing the picture is a great illustration for is how gauge can change the appearance of the yarn! I think I knit more on the tight side, like Nicole. Still haven’t tackled a sweater, but I have the pattern picked out, and swatched for it a few times. Now that I have chosen the yarn, I get to save $ to buy enough for the sweater. (Sweaters are a LOT more expensive than socks!) 😉
JudyL says
Yes, sweaters end up being outrageously expensive with some yarns.
Diana in RR,TX says
My Mother was a very tight knitter and also the same when she crocheted. I am the opposite. She made a bedspread for us and I thought I would help make the crocheted squares. I used the smallest hook around and still couldn’t help!
Rebecca in SoCal says
The two socks are fascinating! Not only are they different sizes, but the pooling/striping is SO different! They almost look like different yarns.
I’ve been wondering if a person’s gauge is consistent, or if one knits looser when tired or anything like that? (Probably should not knit when angry, if size matters). 😉
JudyL says
I definitely have to pay attention to my gauge. If I’m tense or in a hurry . . like trying to finish one section before stopping, my knitting gets tighter. My knitting has gotten way looser over the past few years.
Patty M says
I just wish I could get one sock finished. I can’t seem to get past the first row. I am going to take a class next week. If that doesn’t help I will just have to give up. I have watched the YouTube videos so many times I know the processes but just can’t get my fingers to do the work. My first knit project was a cable knit sweater 25 years ago that win third place in the state fair so I can knit, just not socks. Yet. Will keep trying.