How to Crochet a Gauge/Tension Swatch

What is a swatch?

A swatch is :  

1. a sample of cloth or fabric (or other material);
2. a characteristic specimen of anything.

Therefore, in crochet or knitting, a swatch is a sample of the fabric used in the finished garment. 

Why is a swatch needed?

A swatch is used in crochet or knitting, to measure and match the gauge/tension used in a pattern, so the end result is a crochet/knit garment made to the right size and measurements.

What is gauge?

Gauge is: 

1. A standard or scale of measurement.
2. A standard dimension, quantity, or capacity.

Therefore, in crochet or knitting, gauge measures the number of stitches per X number of inches.

Where to find Gauge/Tension:

All patterns: knit or crochet, mention the gauge/tension used in the pattern, to get the desired result.  

Some patterns: are not reliant on gauge, these can be simple items such as embellishments or motifs, crochet or knit, using any yarn and recommended hook/needle size for the yarn; and will mention that  "Gauge/tension is not critical".  
However, always check to see whether you use a hook/needle size smaller or larger than recommended to achieve desired effect.

Gauge/tension is determined by a designer, designing a garment with specific stitches in the pattern, and deciding which yarn and hook size will give the desired result.  

Stitch and Row Gauge/Tension:
Garment patterns usually mention both a stitch and a row gauge; to achieve exact fit, in width and length, both the stitch and row gauge/tension are important for the perfect fit.

Pattern repeats:  some patterns count a set of different stitches as a repeat across a row; resulting in X number of pattern repeats per X number of inches.

Gauge/Tension is also found on yarn labels, indicating X number of stitches and X number of rows to 4in (10cm), and recommending hook/needle size.  Use this information as a guide only, your gauge/tension swatch may result in a slightly different count.

Gauge/Tension Swatch: Make and Measure 

• Are your stitches the right size?: when following a crochet pattern it is important your stitches are consistent in size and match the Gauge/Tension provided in the pattern.
• Size and Shape:  with the correct stitch gauge/tension your  crochet garment will match the shape and size mentioned in the pattern.
• Gauge/Tension:  is the ratio of a given number of stitches or rows to inches.  For example, ten (10) stitches per inch or five (5) rows per inch. 

Gauge/Tension Swatch: How to Make

• Use the same yarn and hook size recommended in the pattern. 
• Make a swatch approximately 6in (15cm) wide X 6in (15cm) long; so you can get an accurate 4in (10cm) measurement across the centre of the swatch.

Gauge/Tension Swatch: How to Measure

• Counting stitches: use a rigid ruler,  place along row of stitches, use two pins, and mark the beginning and end of 4in (10cm). 
• Do not stretch fabric: keep fabric flat, do not manipulate to fit whole stitches into the 4in (10cm) measure.  Always pin exactly where 4in ends, even if it means you have half a stitch. 
• Count: how many stitches? across 4in (10cm), (include the half).
• Counting rows: use a rigid ruler, place along a vertical line of stitches.
• Line up: edge of ruler with bottom of row or stitch.
• Pin it: one pin, to show first stitch (first row); second pin, at end of 4in (10cm) up.
• How many rows? count the stitches/rows.
• Check the gauge/tension: match? is it the same as pattern?

Points to Consider:

• Accuracy counts: when measuring your gauge swatch. 
• Wash and Block: ? only if recommended for pattern, before you measure your gauge/tension swatch. 
• Flat surface: Lay the swatch on a flat surface. 
• Pin down (if necessary), DO NOT stretch: if edges are curling pin down, careful not to stretch the fabric.
• Gauge/Tension swatch match:  same as pattern? YES, proceed with pattern.  NO, change hook size. If swatch is too small? use larger hook; if swatch is too big? use smaller hook.
• Swatch again:  if your first swatch does not match, use a smaller/larger hook and swatch again; until you match the gauge/tension in the pattern.

SPRING CROCHET PATTERNS, COASTERS, PLACEMATS, DOILIES

WHERE IS SPRING?

Here we are in the middle of May and the UK is once again under threat of cold temperatures, snow flurries, gale force winds and loads of rain, not to mention loads of grey clouds. 

This colder weather is making me want to hibernate, light the fire, make hot chocolate, curl up and sleep until it's all over!

I am so glad my darling and I managed to get a few good walks accomplished over the last month.  All this  house-boundness is just making me itch to get out.  

As promised in a previous blog post, I am now presenting my first spring blossom crochet design for this season.  Inspired by all the lovely spring blossoms found in the English countryside in May.

Crochet Coasters and Placemats SPRING BLOSSOMS

A brightly coloured table set, including a crochet placemat and a crochet coaster. Both circular and both trimmed with a decorative petal edge.

I chose one of my favourite yarns for colour selections, King Cole Bamboo Cotton. I love the vibrant colours, they are almost iridescent, and I think the yarn thickness is just perfect for this crochet table set.

Simply Perfect for summertime celebrations

Choose from the huge selection of colours to make your beautiful crochet table set.  I kept it simple with only three colours, but you could easily make the table set using just two colours or up to eight colours if you wish.  The choice is always yours, so get creative, and make a few, and bring some of those lovely spring colours indoors.  AND HAVE FUN.

I hope you have enjoyed my spring blossom photos and you will enjoy this pattern also.  

SPRING BLOSSOMS Placemats and Coasters

Crochet Pattern

is available from

Barbara Summers on-line pattern SHOPS

Ravelry       Craftsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

Enjoy.... ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Crochet and Blossoms in May

Hello lovely May blossoms

isn't this just absolutely gorgeous

QUICK EASY CROCHET GIFTS HATS MITTENS SCARF/MOBIUS SLIPPERS

GIVE the gift of HAND MADE...

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*  Crochet Mittens COUNTRY  *

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A total of EIGHT (8) simply perfect crochet patterns

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HOTCHPOTCH Crochet eBook PDF 

8 Easy Crochet Gifts  

available from my online shops

CRAFTSY       RAVELRY 

Sunny days, Sun hats, Summer Crochet

WEATHER MAYHEM

Here in south-east England, well may you ask "where is the sun?" the weather is cold, windy and grey, with the odd snow flurry. Yes, it is April and supposedly SPRING, however, there is no sign of it, those blasted north-easterlies are blowing and the jet stream just ain't getting here. boo hoo!

Never mind, I am ignoring what is happening outside and following my inner sunshine and here is the result, a new spring/summer hat, with a lovely little pattern, and a choice of brim lengths. Perfect for your little cutie pie to wear on sunny days.

PATTERN DETAILS:

YARN:  Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 4ply OR Heirloom Cotton 4ply OR any other similar cotton yarn

HOOK: 3.5mm (E-4)

SIZES:  A - will fit 38-45cm (15-17.5in);  B - will fit 43-49cm (17-19.5in).

TERMINOLOGY:  USA and UK crochet terms

I just love crocheting with 4ply for infants and toddlers, it creates a delicate fabric, which I think is just perfect for tiny tots. And you just can't beat Bendigo yarns their cotton is so soft. I love it. They also do an 8ply cotton. Of course you could make these hats with the 8ply, you would just get a larger sized hat, or you could make adjustments and get the right size for your preferred head ircumference. 

Have a go and play a little.

RIPPLE CROCHET HATS PATTERN

is available from my on-line shops

Ravelry        Craftsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

KNIT CROCHET BABY TOP VESTY

This is a great KNIT pattern for a sleeveless baby top, with a little bit of crochet around the neck and armholes.

This was a wonderful quick project, I really needed a break from crochet and remembered this stitch from way back, way, way back CIRCA  1980 I think.  My mother-in-law had knit a lovely baby cardigan using this stitch, and back then, I used the stitch to make a scarf/shawl.  Obviosly it took me ages to make the scarf, maybe that's why it remained embedded in the recesses of my brain... amongst all the other useful/useless stuff stored away in those grey cells.  Anyway let's get on with the pattern.

PATTERN DETAILS:

YARN:  Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 4ply

NEEDLES:  3mm

HOOK:  3.5mm

SIZE:  6-12 months

The stitch pattern uses multiples of 8 stitches plus 2.  

Stitch Pattern

R1: *P2, yfwd, K2tog, P2, K2, rep from * to last 2sts, P2.

R2:  K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to end.

R3:  *P2, K2tog, yrn, P2, K2, rep from * to last 2sts, P2.

R4:  K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to end.

Repeat these 4 rows.

Back/Front 

Cast on 58sts, work in pattern until work measures 24cm, ending with R4.

Divide for neck and shoulders.

Work 18sts, cast off 22sts, work 18sts.

Continue on last 18sts, K2tog at neck edge, for next 2 rows, then every other row, 13sts remaining.

When work measures 30cm, cast off.

Join yarn at neck edge to remaining sts and work other side same.

Make up  Sew up seams, leave 10cm opening for armholes.

Crochet around neck:

Rnd 1: Ch1, 1sc in same st, *ch3, miss next st, 1sc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1.

Rnd 2:  *[1sc, 2dc, 1sc] in each ch3-sp around, join.  Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.

Crochet around Armholes:

Rnd1:  Ch1, 1sc in same st, *ch1, 1sc in next st, miss next st, rep from * around, join.  

Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.

Thread ribbon through the loops around the neck.

KNIT and CROCHET
Abbreviation	Description
*	repeat the instructions following the asterisk as directed
approx	approximately
beg	begin/beginning
ch	chain
cm	centimetres
cont	continue
dc	double crochet
in	inches
k or K	knit
k2tog	knit two stitches together
p or P	purl
psso	pass slip stitch over
rep	repeat
r(s)	row (s)
rnd(s)	round(s)
RS	right side
sc	single crochet
sl st	slip stitch
sp	space
st(s)	stitch(es)
WS	wrong side
yfwd	yarn forward
yrn	yarn around needle

E.& O.E.

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

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