Knitting a gauge swatch: why it matters

Your gauge swatch tells you whether your sweater will actually fit.

How to knit a swatch

1. Cast on about 10 more stitches than the pattern gives for 10 cm.
2. Work the given stitch pattern for about 15 cm.
3. Wash and block the swatch just like the finished piece.
4. Count stitches and rows over 10 × 10 cm in the centre.

Too many or too few stitches?

• Too many stitches: go up a needle size.
• Too few stitches: go down a needle size.

Keep your swatches – they make a lovely archive of your yarns!