A perfect square.

[BaBaBa]

I'm a self taught beginner.

How do I knit a perfect square.

Is measuring the only way? It doesn't seem too reliable because the wool is so stretchy and if so would you cast off once you reach the desired length or a touch before?

Or, should the number of rows equal the number of stitches?

Any advice, tips or tricks would be appreciated!

[Sagesgirl]

You can try working it diagonally. (This is going to be my explanation of the method described in No Pattern Knits, so I really recommend you check it out of the library, as their explanation will be better than mine.)

The basic method is this: Take a piece of paper & a ruler. Draft the size square you want on the paper. This will be your template. Turn it up on end like a diamond. Cast on 2 sts. In each row, you'll increase in the first stitch (knit it twice)--or the last, it doesn't really matter but remember how you do it so you don't change partway through. Do this until your triangle (because that's what it's going to be at this point) is equal in width to your template. Then knit together the first (or last) two stitches in each row 'til you get back down to 2, & bind off.

I'm sure there are other ways to do it, but this is honestly the simplest I've come across. The book I mentioned gives you more info (and alternate ways to make the squares) as well as a lot of ideas of how to use your little squares. I checked it out of the library twice & finally bought a used copy from Amazon.

[russsk]

My way is not as fancy as the pp (and I'm a relatively new knitter) but I would knit a swatch first. Figure out your gauge, and use that to determine how many stitches to cast on. For rows, I would knit until I reached the desired length. Then, if you're using wool, you can block your square to make it perfect.

[flapjack]

If you're knitting in garter stitch, yes, the number of rows will equal the number of stitches at the end of a square.