Tip Tuesday: The Benefits of Swatching
When it comes to knitting, swatching might seem like an extra step you can skip, especially when you’re excited to dive into a new project. However, taking the time to swatch is one of the most important practices for stitchers.
Swatching isn’t just about checking gauge; it’s about setting accurate expectations for how the project will turn out.
In today’s Tip Tuesday, we’ll explore the benefits of swatching and why it should be a part of your knitting routine.
What Does It Mean To Swatch?
Before we get too far into the benefits let’s first discuss what swatching is. A swatch is a knitting sample. This sample is typically 4” x 4”. However you can check the project's gauge for an indication of how large your swatch should be. For example if you are doing a color-work or lace project you might want to create a slightly larger swatch so that you can get a true sense of what the stitches will look like.
Think of your swatch as a preview that will let you take a sneak peek at your color choices, yarn drape, and knitting techniques.
Achieving the Perfect Fit
Swatching is key to achieving the perfect fit in your knitting projects.
Swatching allows you to measure your gauge, aka how many stitches and rows per inch you’re getting with your chosen yarn and needles. A designer will base a pattern’s gauge off of the way that designer knits up the sample.
Since everyone’s knitting tension is unique, swatching ensures your stitches per inch match the pattern’s requirements. This simple step can mean the difference between a sweater that fits perfectly and one that’s too loose or too tight.
Understanding A Yarn
Swatching is an opportunity to get to know your yarn. Different fibers of the same gauge can behave very differently. Some yarns may stretch significantly after washing, while others might soften and expand.
By knitting a swatch, washing, and blocking it, you can see how the yarn behaves over time. This knowledge helps you predict the final fabric’s drape, texture, and durability. It’s so much easier to swap out your yarn in the swatching phase than it is to do so mid-project.
Swatching helps you understand your yarn choice, ensuring your project turns out just as you envisioned. This can be especially important when it comes to variegated yarns that can come to life once stitched up.
Swatching lowers the number of surprises you’ll have when you get started on the real thing.
Experimenting with Stitch Patterns
Swatching isn’t just for checking gauge; it’s also a great way to experiment with stitch patterns.
Whether you’re trying out cables, lace, or color-work for the first time, swatching allows you to try out a new-to-you technique with much lower stakes.
Take a look at the list of techniques used in the pattern and practice them in swatch form before you dive into your project. This will cut down on frogging and allow you to sail through the real thing.
Saving Time and Materials
While it may seem counterintuitive, swatching can actually save you time and materials in the long run. One of the biggest excuses for not swatching is that it uses up too much yarn, especially when you only have a limited amount to use for your project.
But by confirming your gauge and testing your stitch patterns, you reduce the risk of having to unravel and redo large portions of your project. This not only saves you valuable knitting time but it also prevents unnecessary wear and tear on your yarn.
Most swatches are 4 inches x 4 inches. This is much less yardage than you could waste by having to frog half of a sweater.
Pro tip: If you are worried about yardage, you can always knit up a swatch without cutting your yarn. If necessary, you can always frog that swatch once you've confirmed your gauge to use up the yarn at the end of the project.
Building Confidence
There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting a project with a confidence boost.
Knitters can be our own harshest critics sometimes. And it’s easy to feel intimidated by techniques that we haven’t tried yet. But most of the time all it takes is a little bit of practice before you are able to knit in a brand new way.
Swatching builds confidence! It’s a reminder that with a little practice you absolutely can make the project you’ve chosen. This peace of mind allows you to tackle your knitting like the pro you are, making the entire process more enjoyable.
Creating a Record for Future Projects
Your swatches can serve as a valuable reference for future projects, saving you from having to re-swatch.
By keeping your swatches and noting the needle size, yarn, and gauge that was used, you can create a personalized library that you can refer back to. This is especially helpful when you enjoy working with the same yarn or pattern again and again.
Tools That Make Swatching Easier
Also…This tip featured Phoebe in the colors Amethyst Dark & Lapis Azuli
We hope we’ve inspired you to make swatching a regular part of your knitting practice. For more knitting tips and insights, explore our other Tip Tuesday posts. Until next week, happy knitting
