Question 1: True or False: A swatch must be 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm X 10 cm).
Answer: False. While the standard gauge statement is given in terms of number of stitches and rows over 4 inches or 10 cm, a really helpful swatch needs to be much bigger. I’ll discuss why in my next post.
Question 2: True or False: The needle size stated in the pattern is the size needle you must use to obtain the pattern’s stitch and row gauge.
Answer: False. The needle size stated in the pattern is the needle size the designer used to obtain his/her stitch gauge. Yours may be much different. This is due to your unique knitting style, tension, and techniques that you use when you knit.
Question 3: True or False: Row Gauge is not important.
Answer: False. Knowing your row gauge is essential for shaping and obtaining properly fitting garments.
Question 4: True or False. Swatching is necessary for knitting sweaters and other fitted garments.
Answer: True, so very true. A swatch really helps a knitter to create a well fitting sweater. I hope that by the time you finish reading my series on swatching that you will understand why this is so.
Question 5: True or False: You must get gauge when knitting from a pattern.
Answer: True and False – If you want to knit the garment exactly the same as the pattern your stitch gauge and row gauge should match. But that is not always possible, and if you are one of the many knitters who cannot get the gauge in a pattern, then you need to know how to use your gauge to make adjustments for a proper fit. How to do this will be discussed later in this series.
