I'm up on my soapbox today.

I like to think that this wouldn't happen to you, especially if you've been following Knit it Now for any length of time.

Show and tell at a recent hand-knitters meeting was a good reminder for me.

A knitter purchased a kit and hand knit a beautiful shawl with an intricate stitch pattern. She followed the pattern "exactly" (or almost) and used every inch of yarn

But her triangular shawl was too small and it barely covered her shoulders. In spite of all the "ooh's and ah's" at the meeting. She was disappointed and is going to frog and re-knit the entire thing.

She admitted that she didn't knit a swatch and ignored the suggested gauge in the pattern.


Without a swatch, how do you know:

• How many stitches and rows to cast on
• How much yarn will you need
• how will the yarn wash and wear
• Will you like the feel of the yarn on your skin?
• How will it knit? Will it bias or split?

Knitting a "proper swatch" will save you time in the long run. Accurately establish your gauge so your garment will be the right size.