Why You Should Gauge Swatch

There are many mixed reviews on why or even if you should gauge swatch. Some people don’t believe in it. Others swear by them. So, what’s the deal? Should you gauge swatch?

Really, yes. You should. But here’s why you should.

What exactly is a swatch? A swatch is simply a small sample of fabric worked up to preview what the larger piece will look like. A swatch will measure about 4 inches by 4 inches, but can be bigger, and sometimes smaller (though not necessarily recommended).

OK – back to the why:

Fabric Preview

As in the definition, swatching gives you the opportunity to preview your fabric in a smaller form before committing to the larger final piece. You’ve heard about frogging. Swatching will reduce the likelihood of needing to frog simply because you don’t like how your fabric is turning out. When you swatch, ask yourself “Do I like the feel; the drape; the look…?”. If the answer at any time is no, then it’s no big deal and you can change elements of your anticipated design.

2. Swatch to Trial Run Your Stitch Pattern

A swatch is a fantastic trial run for your chosen stitch pattern. When working with something new, swatching allows you to practice and determine if it is manageable to continue with for a larger project. Do you like working with this stitch pattern?

Pay close attention to how well the stitches work with the yarn you’ve chosen. Often, stitches are lost if worked using marled or variegated yarns. When you put in the work of choosing a striking stitch pattern, you want to be sure that your efforts are not wasted.

3. You Should Swatch to Check Measurements

The measurements – also referred to as gauge are incredibly important when following a pattern. This is especially true when you are working on a wearable item. Knitting or crocheting a swatch invites you to visually analyze your gauge and tension. Then, you make adjustments in hook/needle size as well as tension or yarn choice as needed to “get gauge”.

4. You Should Swatch Your Colour Choices

If, unlike me, you are decisive and good at choosing colours just from seeing skeins of yarn then this will not be an issue for you. Swatching to create a sample of fabric lets you preview how your chosen colours work together. How do they contrast or blend together? Does the colour palette give you good stitch definition? Do they best showcase the pattern you’ve chosen? Are you happy with colour distribution and repetitions? Again, with your small swatch, you have the ability to amend any choices or steps that do not best serve your ideal finished object.

For simple colour play, a fully worked up swatch is not necessary. A lazy swatch would suffice and showcase how your colours play together.

5. You Should Swatch to Review Washability

One of my favourite reasons for swatching is to test for washability. With this, you see if there is any colour bleeding. For contrast colours you do not want this to happen, lest your work be ruined. You see how the fabric handles being washed. Will it start to felt or pill. Take note of how your woven-in ends handle being washed. You do not want for so much time to be spent creating a beautiful piece only to find out it unravels in the wash because your ends were not secured.

Every crochet or knit project is a labour of love. There is a great time investment into each and every piece created by hand. You should swatch to make sure your time is not wasted and that you end up with the piece you desire. I have only started swatching recently. But, I now know swatching is as important as each and every other step involved in crochet and knitting.

Don’t believe me? Here are 17 Reasons to knit swatches.

What about you – do you swatch?