Make a Tension Swatch

A tension swatch is a small sample of knitting that is used to compare your tension to the tension guide for the pattern or yarn that you are using. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to make a tension swatch and how to use it:

1. Using the yarn and knitting needles given in the tension guide on the yarn label, or in the designer's instructions on the knitting pattern, cast on one and a half times the number of stitches in the tension guide. The tension guide is usually given as a 10cm square so adding half as many stitches to this number should give 15 cms in width. Making a tension swatch bigger than 10cm will enable you to get a more accurate measurement.

 

2. Working in stocking stitch, knit one and a half times the number of rows in the tension guide. The tension guide is usually given as a 10cm square so adding half as many stitches should give 15 cms. in length. Making a tension swatch bigger than 10cm will enable you to get a more accurate measurement.

 

3. Cast off.

 

4. Pin out your square of knitted fabric, i.e. tension swatch, on a padded surface like a cushion or an ironing board, smoothing it out but not stretching it. You might find it useful to mark out grid lines on the surface you are using.

 

a. To check how many stitches:
insert one pin vertically between 2 stitches near the edge of your tension swatch
measure across the square with a rigid ruler and place another pin vertically at the 10 cm point
count the number of stitches between the two pins

 

b. To check how many rows:
insert one pin horizontally lining up with the stitches near the edge of your tension swatch
measure down the square with a rigid ruler and place another pin at the 10 cm point
count the number of rows between the two pins.

You only need to make an adjustment if your tension i.e.number of stitches and/or number of rows, is significantly different from the tension guide.