編織的密度與試織片

Gauge and swatches

What is the gauge?

In knitting or crochet patterns, you'll often see information about gauge. What does this mean? Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows (or rounds) within a certain range. For example, the gauge of Sea Reflections Hat, there are 12.5 stitches and 15 rows of single crochet stitches per 10 x 10 cm.

Does gauge matter?

It depends on what you're making, as the gauge will affect the size of the finished project. If you're making something non-wearable, such as a doll or decoration, getting a slightly bigger or smaller gauge won't have a significant impact. However, if you're making clothing or a hat, different gauge can result in a finished project that's too big or too loose, or too small and unwearable. Therefore, before actually making any wearable garment, you should first make a swatch piece to confirm the gauge. 

Principles of making a swatch

  1. Don't make too small a piece : When knitting or crocheting a swatch, it should be at least 10×10 cm or larger. The larger the swatch, the more accurate the gauge will be. Because the density of selvage stitches is usually less accurate, you should actually knit about 15×15 cm and measure the area with relatively neat stitches in the middle.
  2. Choose between making in rows or rounds : If the item to be made is flat, then the swatch is made in rows. If it is made in rounds, then pass the yarn from the back, or cut the yarn at each end of row and make each row facing the right side, simulating working in the rounds.
  3. Be sure to wash and dry before measuring : After making the swatch, wash it and lay it flat until it is completely dry before you can start measuring the gauge. This is because the yarn may shrink or expand after washing, and the gauge of the swatch before and after washing will be different.
  4. Confirm the gauge is close before starting the project: After measuring the gauge, if it is different from the gauge provided in the tutorial, change the needle or hook size and make another swatch. Repeat the steps of washing, drying, and measuring again until the gauge of the swatch is close to the gauge provided in the tutorial before starting your project.

Purpose of making a swatch

Before making clothing, the process of swatching ensures that the finished project is as close as possible to the size preset in the tutorial, which is a very important step when making wearable clothing.
Besides being a necessary way to confirm the gauge, swatching can also be used to check whether the texture of the fabric meets your expectations. If it is a multi-colored fabric, you can also confirm the color combinations at this time.

Exception

If you're making a sun hat, you're using paper yarn, so there's no issue of the gauge changing after washing. Therefore, I like to start the project right away, measuring and confirming that the gauge is about right as I go. If the gauge discrepancy is too large to continue, you'll notice it when you're making the crown at the beginning.

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