Swatch It, Swatch It Good!
Swatch It, Swatch It Good (with a nod to Devo!)
Tech Talk: Why You Should Swatch!
Some projects, like sweaters, need to fit properly. Because of this, we recommend crocheting or knitting a swatch (and blocking it!) to check your gauge (stitches or rows per inch). This will give you the best chance of a properly fitted garment. Yes, we know many folks find swatching tedious, but it can save you a lot of frustration. Most patterns call for a swatch with 20-30 stitches across and about the same number of rows. Once you make and block the swatch, you then measure it to see how your gauge compare to the pattern’s. If you skip the swatch and just start crocheting or knitting, you may not realize your gauge is off until at least 20 rows, or worse, after you’ve finished and blocked the garment.
Let’s consider a project (Rannoch Moor Swing Coat) that Caryn recently made with a 272 stitch cast-on. Would you rather work 20 rows of 272-stitches or 20 rows of 20 stitches before learning if your gauge was right? Add in the way different yarns behave after getting wet (blocking), and you soon realize that understanding your gauge before starting can save you a lot of frustration!
For Caryn's project, pattern gauge was 19 st/4”, but her blocked gauge was 20 st/4” because her stitches were a wee bit smaller than the designer’s. One stitch isn’t a big deal … or is it? Keep in mind that a 1-stitch difference over 4” means a big difference in a sweater! The hem of this cardigan was meant to be 57.25” around. However, at Caryn’s tighter gauge and 272 stitches, it would be 54.4”, THREE inches smaller! Knowing this, Caryn swatched with a bigger needle and got the recommended gauge. Swatching and blocking resulted in a properly fitted sweater instead of one that was a bit too small.
Want more information on swatching? Check out Cocoknits’ blog post, Why & How to Knit a Swatch or Interweave’s How to Crochet a Gauge Swatch.
-Caryn and the Yarnivore Crew
P.S. Get ready for fall by taking Wendy's My First Top-Down Sweater, starting August 1!
Upcoming Classes
Click the title to learn more and to register.
Space is limited & sign-ups close a week before class begins, so sign up now! Class fees due at time of registration. You can find all available classes on our Calendar.

Learn the basics, including about yarn & knitting needle sizes, how to cast on, knit, purl, & bind off. When you've mastered these stitches, you'll be ready to start your first project. Class is two 2-hour sessions.

Come pick Moses' brain in this workshop-style class. Get some helpful tips to make your hook happy and your project beautiful! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Saturday, July 27, 1 pm - 4 seats available

Come knit with Wendy! This is for knitters of any skill level with any kind of project! Learn with others in a friendly, supportive environment! Each class is one 2-hour session.

My First Socks: Knit Basic Socks from the Cuff Down - Masks Required
Knit basic socks from the cuff down! Learn about the parts of a sock and the skills needed to make a perfectly fitted sock from cuff to toe. Class is three 2-hour sessions.
Sunday, August 11, 25, & September 8, 2pm - 4 seats available
Cowgirl Blues Proper Sock Multi is a hand-dyed yarn designed specifically for making everyday wearable socks. We love the yarn, the colors (and color names) and price! This new-to-Yarnivore brand comes from a small design studio and dye house in Cape Town, South Africa. We’ve ordered more of their yarns for fall, so stay tuned!
Proper Sock is a fingering (#1) weight yarn made from 75% Wool, 25% Nylon. The nylon gives this yarn durability, making it an excellent choice for socks! It has 400 yards/100g and is machine washable but lay flat to dry.
11-7 Wednesday-Friday
11-5 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday
Friday Night Cravings (Friday August 9, 5pm)is a great way feed your need for yarn and share your love for the stitching community! Bring any craft you like and sit and stitch.
Private Lessons
Learn 1x1 or in small groups with your choice of project or technique! One-on-one (one student, one teacher) Personal lessons are $25/hour & group private lessons are $15/person per hour. Visit us in-store or call 210-979-8255 to schedule.
Making something with variegated yarn, like Proper Sock Multi? Since variegated yarns are so colorful, they can sometimes overwhelm your stitching. These yarns are best for patterns with simpler stitches, like Dambisa Socks by Noma Ndlovu (knit, $5 in-store/Rav) or I’m So Basic Socks by Summer Lee (knit, free in-store/Rav). The same goes for crochet - simpler patterns are perfect for colorful yarns!
Do you have a tip idea? We're happy to share it, just reply to this newsletter!
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If you have a question for one of our teachers, you can email us at yarnivoresa@gmail.com.