Knitting A Gauge Swatch
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Knitting a Gauge Swatch
The term gauge swatch (or tension swatch) refers to how many stitches and rows there are in an inch of knitting using a specific yarn and needle size. The needle size listed in the pattern is the size the designer used to obtain the listed gauge but two knitters using the same materials may each end up with a different sized gauge swatch. A difference of only half a stitch per inch could make a discrepancy of several inches in the size of your finished project.
Do you always have to check your tension?  Well, no. If you want to knit something where exact sizing is not critical, like an Afghan, scarf, shawl or purse, you should be able to just use the needle size suggested in the pattern. Your knitting tension can change over time though, according to how you knit, time of day, or even what mood you are in. So any time that proper sizing is important to your project, you really should take the time to make a gauge swatch before starting.... you'll be glad you did. How to Knit a Gauge Swatch Cast on 6 inches worth of stitches using the needle size recommended in the pattern (you can use the stitch tension given in the pattern to help you figure out how many to cast on). Work in Stockinette Stitch until your gauge swatch measures 4 inches in length; bind off all stitches. Note: Stockinette Stitch makes it very easy to count your stitches but if your pattern instructions state a particular pattern stitch, you must knit your gauge swatch in this pattern. Lay the swatch on a flat, hard surface. Measure, and then count 4 inches worth of stitches across the swatch. Shop at the Leisure Boutique to find everything you need for your knitting projects.
If you end up with more stitches per inch than the pattern states, this means your stitches are too small and you'll need to try larger needles until your stitches are the same size as those required for the pattern. If you have fewer stitches per inch than the pattern indicates, your stitches are too big and you'll need to try smaller size needles to achieve the correct tension. Be exact in your measurements, and knit as many times as you need to, changing needle sizes until you find the size that allows you to obtain the correct tension.
Quick Reference:  The thicker the yarn, the fewer stitches per inch.The larger the needle, the bigger the stitches. The bigger the stitches, the fewer stitches per inch. The thinner the yarn, the more stitches per inch. The smaller the needle, the smaller the stitches. The smaller the stitches, the more stitches per inch. To measure the rows, centre a measuring tape or ruler lengthways on your gauge swatch, and count the number of rows in 4 inches worth of knitting; divide by 4 to determine the number of rows per inch. Note: Knit stitches are wider than they are tall, so you'll normally have more rows per inch than stitches per inch. The number of rows per inch can easily be adjusted, simply by knitting more or less of them. In most cases this of no consequence as the patterns usually instruct you to continue in the stitch pattern until your work measures "X" amount of inches. Remember -- if measurements are important, your tension is of utmost importance and you'll be more accurate by taking the time to knit a gauge swatch.
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