The most popular question I was asked when I worked in a yarn shop was, "Do I have to do a gauge swatch?" My answer was always the same,
Checking gauge is considered a hassle by many knitters, but in fact, it is an
investment in the finished product. During the gauge swatch stage of a project there are several valuable questions answered:
If you can answer yes to all of the above questions, the likelihood of success is very high. However, if the answer to any of the questions is no, now is the time to re-evaluate the project. But thanks to the gauge swatch, you have only invested a minimal amount of time and yarn to the project.
Now that I have you convinced to make a gauge swatch, next I need to convince you to make a LARGE swatch. In most cases it should be at least 6" x 6". Why, you ask? Because you need plenty of fabric to measure and the gauge should be taken in the center of the swatch, not near any of the edges where everyone's gauge gets a little funky. If you are off by an inch when measuring a foot you have a significant error, if you are off by an inch when measuring a yard it is much less critical. And don't forget to include that half or quarter of a stitch at the end -- if you can see it, it counts!
If you are interested in learning more about gauge and how to make pattern adjustments when your gauge doesn't match, come join me Sunday morning at either Stitches Midwest in Chicago or Stitches East in Baltimore and be a part of the Pattern Customization: Your Yarn, Your Gauge class. What other questions do we have about gauge?
Only if you want it to fit!
Checking gauge is considered a hassle by many knitters, but in fact, it is an
investment in the finished product. During the gauge swatch stage of a project there are several valuable questions answered:
- Do you enjoy working with the yarn?
- Are you comfortable working the stitch pattern?
- Do you like the feel of the finished fabric?
- Are you able to match the designer's gauge?
If you can answer yes to all of the above questions, the likelihood of success is very high. However, if the answer to any of the questions is no, now is the time to re-evaluate the project. But thanks to the gauge swatch, you have only invested a minimal amount of time and yarn to the project.
Now that I have you convinced to make a gauge swatch, next I need to convince you to make a LARGE swatch. In most cases it should be at least 6" x 6". Why, you ask? Because you need plenty of fabric to measure and the gauge should be taken in the center of the swatch, not near any of the edges where everyone's gauge gets a little funky. If you are off by an inch when measuring a foot you have a significant error, if you are off by an inch when measuring a yard it is much less critical. And don't forget to include that half or quarter of a stitch at the end -- if you can see it, it counts!
If you are interested in learning more about gauge and how to make pattern adjustments when your gauge doesn't match, come join me Sunday morning at either Stitches Midwest in Chicago or Stitches East in Baltimore and be a part of the Pattern Customization: Your Yarn, Your Gauge class. What other questions do we have about gauge?