knitting

I’ve said it before, knitting a gauge swatch is a necessity if you’re making a knitting pattern like a sweater or other fitted garment. If you ignore the gauge, you’re going to end up with a garment that is too big or too small, that’s all there is to it. But, how do you knit a gauge swatch? It’s easy!

First, use the needles and yarn called for in the pattern, or find a yarn that is very close. Next, cast on enough stitches to measure about 4 inches wide, and start knitting in the pattern according to the directions. Knit a swatch about 4 inches square, and make sure you use the same pattern stitches the instructions call for.

Now, measure the gauge of your swatch. You can use a ruler, or you can use a gauge measure, available from just about any knitting shop or online. Measure about two inches of the pattern, both stitches and rows. It should match the gauge given in the pattern, for example, 6 stitches to an inch, and 4 rows to an inch, or whatever your pattern states.

If the gauge is right, you can begin your pattern in earnest, but if it’s off, you’re going to need to adjust. If you have more than 6 stitches per inch, you’re a tight knitter, and you’re going to have to go up a needle size (or maybe more). Try the next largest needle, and knit another swatch, and then measure. If it’s not right, you’ll need to go up another size.

If you have less than 6 stitches per inch, you’re a loose knitter, and you’ll need to go down a needle size. Use the next smallest needle and knit another swatch. If it’s still not right, go down another needle size.

Don’t worry if your swatch isn’t right the first time. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to knit, so if you need a larger or smaller needle, just adjust, and remember that you’ll probably have to do that for most patterns.

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