The importance of working a gauge swatch
I’ve been working on this chevron cardigan for Stella for around a week now. The yarn is Smoothie by Patons Australia, an 8 ply acrylic (yes, a departure from my usual natural fibres preference). I started off using a 3.5mm hook as specified in the pattern, but after a few rows (translation – 3 hours work) I just KNEW that the gauge was way off. Had I worked a gauge swatch? No, of course not! So I got out the tape measure, and counted. Yes, my stitches were way too small and it was no wonder that the resulting fabric was stiff and frankly quite unappealing. So I decided to start again with a 4.5mm hook. Look at the difference! In the photo above, the bottom crochet is the attempt #1 in the 3.5mm hook. The top crochet is attempt #2 in the 4.5mm hook. You can really see the difference in length in this photo.
Much drapier, and almost 4 inches longer in circumference! Way better. I’m so glad that I started again. The pattern says it will fit size 1-2 years, so even if it does seem large now, Stella will grow into it. I’ve been taking this to work to do in my breaks – I can get one row done in a tea break and a couple at lunch time.
As a complete newbie to crochet (or anything to do with yarn!), I had no idea that the hook size could make such a difference. The label on the cotton that I am using (for granny squares) said 3.5 – 4.00mm, so I simply guessed randomly at using a 3.5 hook. Now I wonder if the squares would look better with a bigger hook!
That’s a gorgeous pattern! I want to know how to crochet in waves now!
Nothing wrong with kids’ clothing being a bit on the biggish side I always say. they will grow. Eventually.
(says the woman whose 10 daughter is STILL wearing some 6/7 y.o. old clothing b/c of her shape!!)
I have had that happen so many times. I’ve actually started to re-crochet off of undoing the original project.
It’s very cute too. I love the colors. Very warm and fall-ish.
LOl yep been there with the not wanting to waste precious time in making a tension square. My biggest “out” was a green jumper whose front was so wide that I turned it into a skirt front and gradually decreased for a cased elastic waist. Weel having been a twitonce, I might as well have been in for a penny in for a pound and not undoen my mistake and started again. …I’d spent time on that! Yes big improvement using the larger hook.
I love those colors!
Love the colours too! Is the yarn nice to work with? I’ve got a ball for a swatch for Sidelines from Interweave Knitting.
OOH Love it! I can definitely see a difference! I love the colors! I can’t wait to see it finished~
absolutely love the colours Lara