Sunday, November 26, 2006

New And Improved! The Even-More-Perfect Recipe for the Perfect Tension Swatch

Revised in response to questions and feedback in my classes.

The Perfect Stocking Stitch Tension Swatch

Look at the tension indicator in the pattern. It will typically be a number of stitches and rows over a 10cm/4 inch square, in stocking stitch. If it’s stated over a smaller area – for example, 1 or 2 inches, calculate the number of stitches over 4 inches. If it's given in something other than stocking stitch, these instructions don't apply.

____ stitches x _____ rows over 4 inches/10 cm square using ________ size needles.

Using the needles specified, cast on twice that many stitches. For example, if it states 18 stitches, cast on 36.

Bottom border:
Work 6 rows in garter stitch – that is, knitting every row.

Main body:
Right side: knit entire row.
Wrong side: k3, purl to last 3 stitches, k3.
Repeat these two rows until the main body portion measures 15 cm/6 inches.

Top border:
Work 6 rows garter stitch – knitting every row.
Cast off.

Steam or launder the swatch according to the instructions on the yarn ball band.

No comments: