Gauge and swatch

Before starting a knitting project, it is a good idea to knit a swatch.

A swatch is a small piece of knitting that you make to check whether your gauge matches the gauge specified in the pattern. You knit the swatch using the yarn and needles you plan to use for your project, and then measure how many stitches and rows you have within a given measurement, typically 10 × 10 cm = 4 × 4 inches.

A swatch can also help you assess how the yarn and needles work together and how the finished fabric will look and feel. If your gauge does not match the pattern, you can adjust your needle size before starting the project itself.

How to knit a swatch

1. Cast on
Cast on slightly more stitches than the number required to achieve 10 cm. For example, if the gauge is 20 stitches = 10 cm = 4 inches, you could cast on around 30 stitches.

2. Knit the swatch
Knit using the technique and stitch pattern specified in the pattern. Continue until the swatch is large enough for you to measure 10 cm = 4 inches across the middle without the edges affecting the measurement.

3. Wash and dry the swatch
If the finished project will be washed or blocked, treat the swatch in the same way. Allow it to dry completely before measuring it.

4. Measure your gauge
Lay the swatch flat without stretching it. Measure how many stitches and rows you have across 10 cm = 4 inches. It is best to measure in the middle of the swatch rather than close to the edges.

5. Adjust if necessary
If your gauge does not match the pattern, try using a larger or smaller needle.

More stitches than specified: Your stitches are smaller and more closely packed, so your finished project will be smaller. Try going up a needle size to achieve fewer, larger stitches.

Fewer stitches than specified: Your stitches are larger and more loosely spaced, so your finished project will be larger. Try going down a needle size to achieve more, smaller stitches.

You may need to knit another swatch using a different needle size until you achieve the required gauge.

There are many video tutorials on YouTube about gauge and swatching. Try searching for “knitting swatch” or “knitting gauge” in the search bar.