Hi,
I am doing a gauge swatch for a pattern. I’m confused on how to measure because it’s a cabled swatch.
The instructions say:
On larger needles: 24 sts and 34 rows= 10x10 cm in St; 30 sts and 34 rows =10x10 in Aran part.
Thanks
Hi,
I am doing a gauge swatch for a pattern. I’m confused on how to measure because it’s a cabled swatch.
The instructions say:
On larger needles: 24 sts and 34 rows= 10x10 cm in St; 30 sts and 34 rows =10x10 in Aran part.
Thanks
The easiest way to do this is to make a large swatch in stockinette stitch. Cast on about 30sts and work for 4-5 inches then measure across the middle 4 inches.
For the cable swatch, you can wash and lay flat to dry then measure across the middle 3-4 inches. You can pin out the cable swatch slightly and measure. It’s just a little trickier because of the stretch.
What is the name and designer of your pattern?
Scroll down to the advice here on cable swatches. That may help too.
https://kelbournewoolens.com/blog/2016/08/swatching-and-measuring-gauge-in-cable-pattern/#:~:text=STITCH%20GAUGE&text=To%20measure%20your%20cable%20panel,a%20needle%20size%20or%20two.
The other gauge watches I’ve done were always rib pattern so it was easy.
The pattern is Lana Grossa pullover cool wool. Design 02 from Merino edition.
I want to get it right because I’ve noticed that I knit on the tighter side.
Yes, It’s this one, I think so too.
It’s good of you to work the swatch in pattern. Try measuring when pinned out slightly stretched and see how close you are to gauge. You can always try the stockinette swatch as a check.
Ok, There was a video that I watched that recommended counting the number of cables in a given measurement but don’t know what to compare it too. The swatch I made came out a lot smaller because of the cables. I will have to block it, it looks like.
Thanks
Washing or wetting will help ease some of the tightness caused by the cables. It helps them relax.
However, the pattern is giving you a gauge that takes the cables into account, 30 sts and 34 rows =10x10 in Aran stitch pattern.
See how the swatch measures after the wetting but you might try a second swatch on a larger needle while it’s drying or the swatch in stockinette. (24 sts and 34 rows= 10x10 cm)
Oh, I understand now. It gives the information for both types of swatches. For some reason I did not understand that. Patterns are like a different language.
Thanks
Your pattern indicates 24 sts and 34 rows= 10x10 cm in St;. ST means the swatch is done in stockinette
stitch.
When I swatch now I wash and let it dry fully (I don’t pin out but I do check it’s sitting nicely, straight and smooth) then I measure and compare it to the pre-washed measurement (because if it relaxes I like the reassurance whilst knitting the main project that it might seem a bit small). Then, after measuring, I pull it around and treat it badly! I used to be so delicate with swatches, then I realised thats not what happens with my sweaters, they are pulled on and off, washed, folded, hung, all sorts. So now I pull my swatches about, stretch them, rub them, scrunch them…and then re-measure. I feel this is more of a realistic measurement.