Swatching truly is one of the most important steps to insuring that we end up with a sweater that is going to fit correctly. Measuring ourselves is also important and we should get more info today on the proper way to get our measurements. Until starting this “knitting experience” with Suzanne Bryan, I knew swatching was important, I detested doing it and often, I just skipped it. Even when I did do it, I wasn’t doing it correctly and if I needed . . say 5 stitches per inch and didn’t quite get it, I’d sometimes decide to make the smaller or larger size or go up or down a needle size, without re-swatching. I think every knitter I know has despised swatching but now that I know more about it and have learned so much from Suzanne already, I’m kinda liking the swatching.
I’ve already mentioned that I swatched with the Berroco Ultra Alpaca.
Berroco
I’ve carried that swatch around with me, giving it a bit of abuse . . kinda like the same treatment a sweater would be getting. I’ll know in a week or so how it’s holding up.
Today I’m going to swatch with Cascade 220 (not superwash . . not a fan of that one!). This one is a worsted weight, the color is Westpoint Heather and I have 2,860 yards, which should be plenty.
Cascade 220
And I’m going to swatch with Stonehedge Shepherd’s Wool, which is also a worsted weight. The color is Frosty Blue and I have 3,250 yards, which is probably enough for a sweater for myself and for Addie!
Stonehedge Shepherd’s Wool
It doesn’t matter that I’m swatching for three yarns (including the Berroco I’ve already done) and I’ll only use one because eventually I’m going to use these yarns for sweaters and the swatch will need to be done. Having it already done will maybe get me to knitting it up sooner!
Nelle Coursey says
I guess I need to start doing this! LOL
Val says
I lock Cascade 220..but my broken hand is still healing although the cast is off. I am knitting but it’s slow..
Cathi Harry says
Have you thought of sEwing all of your swatches together to make an afgan?
Judy Laquidara says
It’s possible but not practical. There are all different types/weights yarn. You wouldn’t want a fingering weight piece next to a worsted piece, or a piece with silk, next to a 100 targhee worsted piece. Because swatches are just “test runs”, I never make them the same size. They’re much more useful to me to make notes as to yarn/content and have them individually that I can save and use as a reference later. Yesterday I did the Stonehedge Shepherd’s Wool swatch. I have more of that yarn so that swatch can be a reference for when I want to use the other Shepherd’s Wool so I don’t have to swatch again.
dezertsuz says
I like all three colors, and would have a hard time picking based on color alone.