3 Ways to swatch when knitting in the round

We all know that making a gauge swatch is important, especially when knitting items that need to fit.

However, a lot of things are knit in the round using ONLY knit stitches.

And most people have a different gauge when making knit stitches versus making purls stitches.

That means a flat swatch might not work.

So here are three different methods for swatching when knitting in the round, so you can get the most accurate gauge measurement.

Option 1: Knitting a small tube

This is probably the least popular method, but one which is the most accurate. Here you knit a small tube in the round, and then cut the stitches at the beginning of the round. 😱

The problem is you probably have to cast on twice as many stitches to get a tube big enough to knit comfortably. And a lot of folks are scared of cutting their knitting…

Video example (via The Yarnist)

Option 2: Speed Swatch

This technique mimics knitting in the round by always knitting from the same direction. You have to use double pointed needles or a circular needles to do this.

It’s easier to watch a video on how to do this rather than explain it, but you’ll end up with extra strands along the back of the swatch.

Once the swatch is finished you’ll cut the strands and block your swatch. In the end you’ll have a gauge swatch made with only knit stitches.

Video Tutorial (via Webs)

Option 3: Fake in the Round Swatch

This is a technique I came across recently. Someone mentioned it during one of the Summer Knitting Weekend sessions. It’s similar to the speed swatch, but with one significant change…

Instead of leaving the slack along the back, you use the slack as the working yarn. Again it’s easier to see a demonstration, so I’ve linked a video below.

Video Tutorial (via Laura Nelkin)

Conclusion

So there you have it!

Three different ways to swatch in the round.

Have you tried any of these? Which do you prefer?