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July 08, 2004
Moonbeam - Swatching!
My first true swatch..
Okay so it's 2 inches with 15 rows. It's supposed to be 4 inches when I do 30 rows total, but which part do I measure? As I show above, the height, or the width??
These are the things they don't tell us newbies!! For example.. my freakin book for refrence etc doesn't have an explanation of Stockinette vs. garter stich patterns. It tells you that st st = stockinette, but it doesnt tell you what makes that stich! I had to HAND WRITE it into the book lol.
Also the ball of yarn says that about the same amount of rows and stiches as my swatch has should be 10cm (4 inches) but on US 3 needles, I used 5.. and I think umm.. I am getting that same gauge?? I must be doing something wonky! HELP!
Oh and.. of course I love this yarn cause it's for fancy baby cloths. Why do I like baby yarn? lol.. it's soo soft stiched up.. it's also easy to knit!
Posted by brandy at July 8, 2004 11:20 PM
Comments
now to answer your actual question (having commented on the page with the baby alpaca about which I am jealous....)...
Swatch direx usu say 30 stitches knit 30 rows should be X x Y inches. swatching is important in BOTH X and Y directions (where X is across, Y along your work from the cast on row). Does that help? If not , you have my email address.
Posted by: laura at July 8, 2004 11:49 PM
You're actually trying to get a 4"x4" square swatch. The label will tell you how many stitches and rows that will be, either for the whole 4" or per inch (in theory). Once you're done with your swatch, measure both height and width to check your gauge. Also check the pattern to see if the gauge is supposed to be in pattern (like the ribbing you're doing) or in stockinette. This would be why you think you're doing something wonky; the label is giving guides for stockinette & you're doing ribbing so the number of stitches doesn't match up.
When you measure stitches/inch, stretch the ribbing out slightly and try to take a measurement that does not include the selvege (edge) stitches to get a more accurate measurement. I'll break out my ruler and check a 1"x1" section in the middle to count my rows & stitches. Last thing...check your gauge again once you're 5 or 6 inches into your project. You'll have "hit your groove" by then and be able to get a more accurate measure to make sure you're still on track.
BTW, what books are you using as references?
Posted by: Melissa at July 9, 2004 10:10 AM
Sigh. To get really down and dirty with a gauge swatch, you are supposed to wash and block it exactly as you will the garment you are making. Some yarns tighten up after washing...some bloom and relax, and get bigger. I've only actually done this step once...it made me feel almost professional.
Posted by: Sharon at July 9, 2004 12:59 PM
The instructions are 23 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm over flattened rib using US 5. So. Start with the US 5. Cast on 23 sts and rib. Keep going until you can measure four inches (or 10 cm) heightwise. Wash the swatch and block it. See what you end up with. The ribbing is forgiving in that you don't have to get the sizing exact. If you make it a bit big, you can go easy on the blocking so that it stays "skinny in the rib." If you make it a bit too small, you can block it to stretch the rib. Measuring "flattened rib" is tricky because what exactly does it mean? Flatten it with your hand slightly but don't pull on it. Hope this helps! (If you're swatch is way off, then you'll need to go up or down a needle size.)
Posted by: Kerstin at July 9, 2004 07:22 PM