Gauge Swatch in Ribbing

How-to Questions
1

This is such a stupid question. But I have to ask since I am doing a gauge swatch for a sweater.

Pattern instructions are… gauge 16 sts and 22 rows =4" in garter rib.

When I knitted the swatch, do I count only the visible stitches? The ribbing “hides” the purls. Do I count them as part of stitch count? My impulse is yes but then I started over analyzing it and now I am confused. Could you help?

2

It can be confusing. I find gauge in rib of any sort the most difficult. Usually the directions are to slightly stretch the rib and yes, count all the stitches. Easiest way to do this is to put a pin on either side to mark off 4 inches and then count all the sts between the pins.