What is a Gauge Swatch? Why is it Always Important to Make One?

Have you ever had a project that just can't have the right size no matter what you do? You think maybe you're not using the right yarn or hook or maybe you're changing your tension (tightness of holding the yarn or hook) a lot? Sometimes, you even regret using a particular type of yarn because it's not suitable for the project.

It all comes down to a gauge swatch! "Heard a lot about it, Anmol but what exactly is it?"

I'll dive right into it!

GAUGE SWATCH

Let's answer a very common question first. Is a gauge different than a swatch? No, love. It's the same.

The literal meaning of the word swatch is a "sample of fabric", which you can use to test its quality, colour, and other characteristics.

So in a specific way, a gauge swatch is a sample of your sewn/ crochet/ knit work to test its gauge i.e. measurements.

Image Credit: www.thefrostedstitch.com

When you make a gauge swatch first, you are able to determine:

• what the size of your project will be;

• how much yarn you will need;

• how the texture of the stitches will look; and

• if the yarn is even worth using for your project.

I'd say those are pretty good and important things to know way before you have even started working on a project.

Now, let's see in detail how these things are really calculated with the help of a gauge.

SIZE

When you make a gauge swatch, you get an average idea of how many stitches you will have within a number of inches. You will understand this better when we discuss how to make a gauge swatch.

Example: But for now, let's take an idea of worsted weight yarn (9 WPI). It has a gauge of 16-20 crochet stitches within 4 inches. So, if you want to make a small size crochet top with a 34" diaphragm size, you will have to make a chain of 150-155. Please correct me in the comments if my math is wrong, lol.

Image Credit: www.anniescatalog.com

So when you make a gauge, you can identify the measurements for almost everything with the type of yarn you are using.

Note: Similarly, you can calculate the number of rows of your project.

YARN

A gauge swatch can also be used for an average amount of yarn used.

Example: Let's say while the above gauge swatch, you used approximately 15 grams of yarn, you can multiply the same according to the number of stitches and yarn to calculate the total amount of yarn.

Isn't all this fun?

TEXTURE AND QUALITY OF YARN

You can use the gauge swatch to know the feel of yarn, how it looks worked up in the stitches you have used... is it a stiff yarn to use for a baby product and you should use a softer one? All these questions can be answered with the help of a gauge swatch.

Image Credit: www.doradoes.co.uk

Tip: Never leave making a gauge swatch if you want to transition into a designer eventually. It is THE MOST important thing to help you with the Math that is involved in sizing.

That's all the basic information I have for you about a gauge swatch today. If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments below. If you cannot wait to learn how to make a gauge swatch before I share, book a guidance session on Zoom call with me and I'll be more than happy to help you!

Thank you for reading my blogs. I know they are for you but they also help me to learn more about you.

P.S. Do you still don't know which yarn is which? Or maybe you are looking for a particular variety of yarn but you can't find an Indian online store for it. I'm here to help you yet again!

Here is my (Anmol) precious PDF resource for you. Head over to the link and find all the details about what's in it! You'll be surprised with all the information I've shared.