Swatching-circular

I wrote it all down for you! Go to http://knitsweaterpattern.com to order my e-book, Easy Knitting Design: The Basic Sweater," which contains all the information in my knitting videos.

In this video I show how to knit a circular swatch to determine stitch gauge when knitting in the round.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• circular
• design
• gauge
• handknitting
• knitting
• stitch
• swatch
• sweater

[studiobekka]

Magic loop - what is the advantage to using magic loop method as opposed to simply joining the round? Is magic loop necessary for achieving gauge?

[paulajward]

The magic loop method allows you to use a long circular needle to work a small piece in the round. A short circular needle (less than 16-24") sometimes has very short needles attached to the cable--I find them hard to hang onto. Without magic loop (or some similar method) you would need a short circular for the swatch, and another size for a sweater body in the round. Needles can get spendy--magic loop allows you to use one needle.

[studiobekka]

@paulajward ok great! I went ahead and used DPN's the same size as my circulars to do my swatch. I hope I don't bombard you with questions -- I am quite determined to get this right and sometimes my tenacity can be annoying. :)

[paulajward]

I'm happy to answer any questions (assuming I know the answer). The problem with using DPN's (unless you'll be doing all of your circular knitting on the same DPN's) is that you need to work your gauge swatch using the same needles you'll be knitting the sweater on, or you really can't be sure. Especially if the needles are of different materials. You could be fine, I just want to throw that little caveat out there.

[paulajward]

Thanks so much for the feedback! That is exactly what I was hoping to accomplish!