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Knitting is
relaxing and fun - the perfect creative therapy for our hectic modern life - sit
back and knit an easy first pattern!
How to Knit a Swatch
A typical swatch is 20 stitches by 40 rows. But the bigger
swatch you can make the better.
Also, it is usually best to use the same stitch in your swatch
that you are going to be using in the piece. Like use the particular lace
stitch, color st, etc. Or if it is plain stockinette st or garter st, use that.
Sometimes people like to knit swatches just to see what
different stitches look like with different types of yarn. If you are really
creative, you might find that you like to knit quite a few different swatches
with different size needles to find the exact texture you are looking for in
your garment. Smaller needles will make a tighter knit.
After knitting your swatch, if you really want to be accurate,
you should wash and block it, and then measure.
Also, when you are measuring, count your number of stitches
across several inches, and then divide back by that number of stitches. You
could very well end up with a decimal number, which will give you a more
accurate gauge.
But if you are in a hurry, and like to take risks - just knit
a small, quick swatch, and measure it.
What does a "Multiple of 17 sts plus 2" mean?
It means that there are always going to be two extra stitches
at the end of the row to finish up the pattern. If you only repeat the pattern
once across the row (like if you were knitting a swatch), you would be knitting
over 19 stitches (17+2)
If you want to repeat the pattern across 5 times, you will
need 87 sts --first you multiply 5 times 17, then add two.
If you want to repeat the pattern 15 times, you multiply 15
times 17, and then add two (257)
How about a "Multiple of 4 sts plus 1"?
It means the same thing. You repeat a multiple of 4 across the
row, and then finish up with that last little stitch. The reason you are given
this little math problem for each knitting stitch is so that you will cast on
the right number of stitches.
Just thinking about it will drive your mind crazy. But if you
take the time to knit up a few swatches you'll start to understand why this
works. Many patterns, especially the more exotic lace patterns, need to close
off the final edge so that they look nice.
Just try it, you'll see that it works.
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