Since we’re doing gauge swatches in our Verano Tee Knit-A-Long today I figured let’s get super practical.
The project has a small lace section that is used to measure gauge.
Why not measure stockinette or garter stitch?
Well the lace panel has more variation since you’re constantly adding and removing stitches.
This means you’ll get a more accurate gauge measurement when using the stitch pattern versus a more simple stitch.
But measuring lace can be tricky, so here are a few tips to help you out…
Tip #1: Knit A Swatch that’s big enough
Most gauge is measured across 4 inches (10cm) which means you need a swatch that is bigger than that.
Some folks like to knit a small border of garter or seed stitch around the edges to create some additional stability to the swatch. If you want to do that do 4-6 rows at the base and top of the swatch, and 3-4 stitches at the beginning AND end of the row.
You’ll want a swatch that has at least 5-6 inches of measurable space both horizontally and vertically.
Using the ball band, you can get an *idea* of how many stitches per inch you will get using the recommended needle size. That’s a good place to start if you’re not sure how many stitches to cast on.
Then you’ll want to account for your stitch pattern repeat. If you’re not sure how to calculate that watch this video.
FINALLY, if you’re knitting your project in the round, you should also swatch in the round. Here’s how to do that.
Tip #2: Properly block your swatch
Blocking is an essential part of preparing to knit a project.
For most fibers wet blocking will be fine.
This is particularly important if you are making a garment that needs to fit a certain way.
With lace you will probably want some blocking pins, wires, and/or mats.
These will help the lace open up and give you a more accurate measure of gauge.
Tip #3: Measure full lace repeats (not just across 4 inches)
This is a little bit of a pro tip.
With lace, it’s a good idea to measure a couple of full pattern repeats instead of just over 4 inches.
Mark the beginning of your first repeat with a pin (placed flush with the swatch, not sticking out), and place another pin at the end of 2 or 3 repeats. How many will depend on how big the lace repeat is. Just make sure it’s at least 4 inches.
Measure the number of stitches between the pins (a). Also take note how many inches there were between the pins, without rounding (b).
Now divide the number of stitches (a) by the number of inches (b). This will be your stitches per inch (c).
Finally, if you need your stitches over 4 inches, just multiply (c) by 4.
EX. (a) 27 stitches across (b) 5.25 inches = (c) 5.14 stitches per inch. That’s 20.5 stitches over 4 inches.
And that’s how you measure gauge when knitting a lace swatch.
Got any good gauge swatch tips? Hit reply and let us know.
Maybe we’ll include it in a future newsletter!
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Openweave Lace Panel
There’s nothing really special about this old lace panel.
It’s a column of diamond motifs.
You could use it as an accent on a sweater sleeve, or in a scarf, or anything else that is straight and long.
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It’s not too late…
Perfect Fit Verano Tee Knit-A-Long
We had a GREAT first LIVE call yesterday to kick-off this KAL!
But there’s still plenty of time to join in the fun. 😻
If you’ve wanted to begin knitting garments but aren’t sure where to start, this is the perfect project for you.
This simple tee alternates between lace, garter stitch, and drop stitches so there’s always something interesting to knit.
During this KAL you’ll learn new skills like:
- How to add extra stitches at the end of a row
- Making a boatneck collar
- Sewing different types of stitches together using multiple techniques in the same row
- Adjusting a simple pattern to your own measurements
- and much more
As long as you are comfortable knitting basic lace you will be able to finish this top without any issues.
And if you want to learn how to make garments that are seamed together this is a GREAT first project.
As part of this Knit-A-Long you’ll get:
- Access to the Yarnist Society private community
- Video tutorials walking you through each step of the project
- Daily check-ins to keep you motivated and on track
- 5 LIVE calls (with recordings) to help you on your journey
- The chance to win awesome prizes
- and much more
This even will run from June 19th through July 16th, so you’ll have PLENTY of time to finish.
Are you ready to join us?
{% if subscriber.society_status contains “Standard” %}
There’s still time to get started!
Yarnist Society Members save 40%!
Oh, and did I mention that you’ll get UNLIMITED access to the KAL videos so even if you don’t finish in time you can still work on your top when you have time.
{% elsif subscriber.society_status contains “Premium” %}
**This KAL is included with your membership.
**Click Here to Join
{% elsif subscriber.society_status contains “Golden Fleece” %}
**This KAL is included with your membership.
**Click Here to Join
{% elsif subscriber.society_status contains “Plus” %}
**This KAL is included with your membership.
**Click Here to Join
{% else %}
There’s still time to get started!
PLUS your purchase includes a FREE year of Yarnist Society Standard membership!
Oh, and did I mention that you’ll get UNLIMITED access to the KAL videos so even if you don’t finish in time you can still work on your top when you have time.
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Whether this is your first garment or you just want to join in the fun, I can’t wait to get started knitting with this amazing community.
I hope to see you there!
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