Do you make gauge swatches?

Hey all, general poll. I almost never check gauge and instead guess based on needle size/yarn thickness. I like living on the edge, I guess.

Do people actually spend time doing it? If yes, how long does it take you? Do you also block it?

lycisy

Have I ever mentioned that I am a perfectionist? :$

A swatch is absolutely necessary for me.
Everyone knits and crochets differently. One loosely, the other tightly. There are also differences in yarn. One grows incredibly (merino *deep sigh*), the other doesnt give at all (linen).
And for me, my scarce time and yarn is too precious for me to use it for a product that I cant wear at all afterwards because it doesnt fit.

In the end, a swatch takes just 1-2 hours incl. washing, but saves you a lot of trouble and frustration in the end.

Just like pitussa, I keep my swatches in a folder with the appropriate notes.
I think I really am a knitting nerd. :$

pitussa

I swatch religiously, unless I already know the yarn (and knit it with the same needle size).
It takes me a couple of hours, shows me how the fabric will look, and saves me a lot of work in making clothing fit properly.
(If its not clothing, I might skip swatching, but I actually enjoy learning from swatches).

I guess it depends on how much of a perfectionist you are. But swatching is not a chore for me, I actually enjoy doing it and keep my swatches for reference if using the same yarn in the future.

This being said, you craft for fun, so you do you and what makes you happy. This is not a job, not a chore, it should be fun!

Happy swatching everyone! ;)

wpe4rl

Same here, I never check gauge also.

feathers

Never check gauge, but I do have to frog a few times at the beginning of a project to make things look right. Part of that is that I like crocheting with antique crochet hooks, and some of them are off gauge, or has nothing marked on them. So try, try and try again before finding the right hook is part of my process :P

C8H11NO2

I swatch, but only to machine knit.
I dont handknit big projects like sweaters, i knit socks, hats, small things. Never swatch
in crochet also no swatches for me, thank you

but, i know for a fact, if you purchase a pattern and then ask help from a designer, they will definitely ask you about the swatch, and roll their eyes if you didnt

CraftyLouAnna

To swatch or not to swatch; that is the question.   Shakespeare

I swatch if it is an article of clothing, since it is the size or fit of the person you are making it for.
For odds and ends, granny square (crochet), bags, toys, etc. I dont swatch.   Not so important to be off.

knittingpretty

I know I should - but usually no - Im just too impatient.

MissMagic

I never do, I just jump in with both feet!