Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Swatching...most all of us dislike swatching. But it is essential for knitting/crocheting a quality project. Instead of writing it myself, I'll let Liat Gat of knitfreedom.com tell ya! 
Liat Gat
Your devoted video knitting instructor

 
First, make it as big as you feel like. Two inches across, if you want.

Next, make a one-row garter-stitch edging by knitting the first AND second rows of the swatch, before continuing in stockinette stitch. Then, when it's time to bind off (after an inch if you feel like it), bind off knitwise on a purl row. Voila! A minimal-purling garter-stitch edging! This will help prevent the swatch from curling.

Third, tie knots in the tail of your yarn to correspond with the needle size you used on the swatch. For example, if you used a size 7 needle, tie 7 knots in the tail (see the photo below). This will help you remember if you decide to try a few different needle-sizes.

Fourth, block your swatch: stick it in a glass of water with a little soap for 10 minutes, then squeeze it out and lay it flat to dry. That way you can see how the yarn  will really look in a finished garment.

 Now you can measure your gauge and jot it down on the yarn tag. This way, when you see a pattern you like, you can say to yourself, yes, I have a yarn that would be perfect for this! And you'll have the swatch to back it up!

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