Gauge Swatching in the Round

I’m going to confess, I haven’t always swatched, and even when I have, they weren’t always the best. I’ve learned better though over the years and now I never knit anything without checking my gauge beforehand.

Knitting a gauge swatch is always important, and it is even more so when working in various stitches within the same pattern. When you knit your swatch, you are trying to match the listed gauge in each stitch. It is also important to use the same technique you will use for the garment; knit back and forth or in the round as the pattern directs. If you do not match you must adjust the needle size to obtain the correct gauge. Careful swatching also allows you to get to know the pattern, and rewards you with a properly fitting garment.

Plus you end up with a mini-record of all your projects!

Knitting a swatch in the round is easy, although a bit sloppy. Using circular needles, cast on enough stitches to get over 4 inches plus a few extra because the edges will be messy. Knit a few rounds of garter if you want to keep the finished swatch from rolling up. Then begin working the pattern, for example a chart if you are doing a stranded pattern. When you finish Row 1, do not turn your work. Slide the piece all the way to the right and bring the working yarn across the back of your work to the first stitch on the right hand side, just like when working an i-cord. Leave plenty of extra yarn. If you want a step by step photo tutorial check out this one by Purl Soho