I’m so pleased to be sharing a guest post with you today from Stash yarn shop in Corvallis. Those of you who have been reading here for awhile have heard about Stash in this space many times before. I love Stash! This post is for you knitters out there. I must admit that in all my years of knitting, I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve knit a gauge swatch. That’s about to change, though, thanks to this post! There are projects I knit that don’t really matter if the gauge is off or not, but the more I delve into things like sweaters, the more I am learning that taking the time to knit a small swatch before I begin is really worth the effort. I wanted to take a picture of my pretty gauge swatch above (yarn from Sincere Sheep) and decided the picture needed some buttons. Then Bracken decided the picture needed some daisies, so we had fun decorating together. Who knew a swatch photo shoot could be so fun?

To swatch, or not to swatch?

If you’re a knitter, that really is the question, isn’t it? Opinions on swatching seem to fall all over the spectrum. Some knitters swear they never swatch, while some knitters swatch each time they begin a new project. There are even knitters like me who have been known to swatch multiple times, in multiple needle materials and sizes, for each project.

Truly, if you want to talk hot-button issues in the knitting world, just ask a knitter the question, “do you swatch?” But why is it such a big deal? Why are some people so opposed to it, while others consider it such an important part of a project? Let’s break it down a little and talk about what swatching is, why we swatch, when we swatch, and even when we can skip swatching.

Swatching is the practice of making a small sample of knitted fabric in the yarn and needle size you plan to use for your project. Think of it like taking a new car for a test drive, or taking a few new friends out to lunch to get to know one another better. You’re making sure that the yarn, the needles, and your tension will get along well together to create a finished object that will look, feel, and fit the way you want them to.

This is particularly important in garment knitting, but can also be important when knitting items like blankets, because if your stitch count varies from the suggested gauge you will end up with a finished piece that is larger or smaller than you originally intended. It’s a big bummer when you spend all that time knitting something up, only to have it not fit when you’re finished.

Another important reason to swatch is that the gauge written in your pattern, or on the ball band of your yarn, is entirely subjective. Pattern gauge is what the designer got on that day, with that yarn, and those needles. You can use the same exact materials and get a completely different gauge! Take a look at this collage.

Each Stash Enhancer was given a small ball of Quince & Co Lark, the same pattern, we all used the same size needles, all washed and blocked without stretching or pinning, and ALL of our swatches have slightly different stitch and/or row gauges.

-Sonia: 19.5 Stitches and 29 Rows per 4″

-Liz: 18 Stitches and 26 Rows per 4″

-Hannah: 17.5 Stitches and 26 Rows per 4″

-Kathy: 20 Stitches and 28 Rows per 4″

-Hannah: 20 Stitches and 30 Rows per 4″

-Aubri: 19.5 Stitches and 31 Rows per 4″

“So how do I know when I can swatch, or when I can skip it?” I can hear some of you wondering… Here are some handy lists that might help you decide.

Times you really should swatch:

-You’re knitting a garment

-You’re knitting with a new yarn or new needles

-You’re unsure of how the fabric might behave after a wash

-You’re working with a new stitch pattern

-You’re trying a new technique

Times you can consider skipping:

-You can live with the consequences, or are okay with ripping back and starting over until you get gauge. (This is the biggest one!)

-You’re knitting a gauge-optional project: things like scarves, shawls, afghans, washcloths, or some hats

-You’re knitting in a size up for a baby or child (I do this with my kids’ sweaters! I know they’ll grow into them, at some point.)

-You have very recently knit with this yarn and these needles

-You can try the item on as you go, such as with toe-up socks, some hats, a pullover sweater, etc.

 

The bottom line is this: if you’re unsure whether you absolutely need to swatch for a project or not… the answer is usually, “it’s a good idea to swatch.”

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Looking for a good swatch building recipe? Here’s the one we used for our project! This is a great stitch count for worsted weight yarns. You’ll want to cast on more stitches for lighter weight yarns, and less stitches for heavier weight yarns.

{A note from Taryn: here is a pdf version of the above image- how to knit a swatch – that you are welcome to download and print out. I printed one out and got it laminated. Now it lives in my knitting bag and comes in handy every time I need to knit a swatch.} 

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This article was written by Stash Enhancer Aubri: “I love watching our customers and community grow and flex their knitting muscles.  Every time someone brings in a pattern to shop for, or signs up for a class, or shares something they’re excited about, my heart skips a beat.  Every day, at least one person tells me “you have the best job in the world” and you know what?  They’re right!  I love Stash.  With all my heart. I’m so grateful to everyone who is part of our beautiful, inspired community for helping us to continue to grow!”

 

Stash is a modern boutique yarn shop in Corvallis, OR. We stock a range of natural fibers and hand-dyed yarns to inspire your knitting fantasy life.

We believe people are naturally creative. Your potential is simply wound up like that skein of yarn. You’ll only know what it could become when you start.

Shop our brick and mortar store next time you’re in Downtown Corvallis, or visit us online at www.stashlocal.com