I have a confession to make. - Page 2

[adorabelle]

I HATE knitting swatches! I have knit so many different things, and they haven't turned out too badly yet. It drives my friend crazy.

[MissLotus]

I'm a new knitter and am so glad to read this! Everything cool that I want to make (so far have just done a bunch of scarves and a couple of sorta sad hats) says to make a swatch and honestly, I don't want to sit around and take all that time and figure it all out... which is just what's discouraged me from moving away from scarves.

This has encouraged me that it's okay to just take the plunge!

[meco]

I only ever make one if I have to or need too. And I sometimes just make a small one too. I think they can be useful in certain situations.

But I tend to make toys and hats and things that are easier to make work.

[sonuptosondown]

Just saw this--too funny! Was this dark secret keeping you up nights, Flapjack!? As well it should! Just kidding As a pp said, do as I say, not as I do is the standard, right?

I used to do more swatches, now I've become more familiar with the yarns I'm using and my normal gauge and it usually works out. I definitely swatch for sweaters and I've been really happy with the fit of the sweaters I've made.

Right now I'm about to start Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret and am torn about swatching. I'm using a different yarn than the pattern calls for, but the swatch is supposed to be knit in the cable pattern and I just don't wanna! I'm making it for a specific person, so I probably should just suck it up and swatch.

[SoCaliMommy]

I hate swatching, but will knit one but see no point in washing it.

[tayndrewsmama]

I hate swatching too. I have decided to do it anyway after a hat I made for dh became ds's hat and he is six. I also started a baby sweater and stopped when I realized that it was wide enough to fit my six year old. :

When it comes to gauge, if you aren't getting the same gauge with the needles the pattern calls for, are you really doing something wrong or is it just that everyone knits with a different tension? I have purchased some yarns for specific patterns and the pattern calls for a different gauge than the the yarns says with the same size needles. I would call myself a semi new knitter, but not really so I don't know the details on this stuff. I have learned pretty much everything by reading how to do it all and googling demo videos.

[SoCaliMommy]

tayndrewsmama~If you dont get gauge with the needle the pattern calls for it's usually because of different tension.

[tayndrewsmama]

Is there some standard that most people knit at? I know I have been totally overthinking this.

[sabrinat]

I never knit a swatch. I know that I'm a looser knitter so I tend to go one needle size at least. I probably should, but I'm so lazy!