All

Get Free Patterns Grab 2 free custom machine knitting patterns


A comically small knitting sample showing just three stitches cast on with about one inch of knitting, demonstrating what not to do when swatching

This is NOT a swatch

The secret to success with your knitting is accurately establishing YOUR gauge by swatching.
Avoid common mistakes when swatching.

gauge measuring stitches per inch swatch

"The ball band said the gauge was 3 stitches per inch .. so I cast on 3 stitches"

Can you see what's wrong with these swatches?

Example 1: Swipe right to reveal
Answer
Check the position of the yellow ruler
Measure the stitches BETWEEN the markers
  Example 2: Swipe right to reveal
Stitches and Rows?
Answer
Using the stitches scale to measure rows doesn't work
  Example 3: Swipe right to reveal
Can you find 5 issues with this swatch?
Answer
  1. Knit a large swatch
  2. Place markers
  3. Don't count stitches and rows (pins)
  4. Dress the Swatch
  5. Loosely Bind off
Have you made these (or other) mistakes in measuring gauge? Share your experience to help other knitters.
Login You must be logged in to add your comments
5 COMMENTS
Lynda G
 Mar 19, 2024
Knit a small TENSION STRIP - BEFORE ever knitting a swatch. Wash and treat it as you would the garment to choose which tension looks and feels the best. ONLY THEN knit your Tension swatch.

TENSION STRIP METHOD: C/on between 10 to 20sts at what you consider is a tight tension fo the yarn in use [example only T4] ; * Knit 10 to 20 rows, make 4 eyelet holes and place markers on sides; CHANGE tension one WHOLE number higher [ example T5] * ; Repeat * to * [increasing the eyelets to match the tension] until you you have what you consider is a tension that is far too loose for the yarn. C/off and remove from machine. Once treated, check the handle and feel of each tension area. Look at the reverse and front rows, to decide area looks the nicest. Then knit your Tension swatch at the tension that you feel is the best for your yarn.

This method is less wasteful on yarn and saves a lot of effort knitting lots of large swatches at tensions that don't work.

Jacqui H
 Feb 24, 2024
I do a small swatch for ballpark numbers, then the back up to the armholes (start on waste yarn, put the ribbing on later). It only takes a tiny bit more time than a large swatch, you can mark it with yarn markers and not only do you get accurate gauge over a garment sized piece, you can check that you like the length and amount of ease too.

Jill F
 Feb 23, 2024
I too have made these mistakes...I just finished a sweater with arms for a GIANT. My stitches per inch were fine (the sweater width was spot on) but the length was ridiculously long. After reading this, I went back to my swatch and re-measured. The rows per inch were off (obviously), but I struggle with my swatch being uneven. So, 1 area is 26 rows, the middle is 28 and another area 27. I went with 28! I was wrong. The actual sweater knit was 6 rows per inch. BEWARE! 1 more row per inch makes for a LONG sleeve/sweater!!!! ;+)

Tina B
 Feb 21, 2024
I did many of this mistakes..... Propper swatches make better fit. Today i make propper swatches. With marks and stitchruler, And count stitches. Dress/wash/dry like the intended garment, ( hanging, too) For tuc and drapy yarn i even double the swatch... but still the garment behaves different than assumed some times. Gauge changes from wash 1 to wear and wash 3rd time, too.

Glaucia C
 Feb 20, 2024
I like this!

All