What is this: A gauge swatch is a test patch of knitting that helps you establish the number of stitches and rows you require for a specified square (i.e. 10cm) to establish your tension, based on your knitting style.
Assumption: Each pattern will assume a certain number of stitches per 10 cm. For SarahMo Girlfriend Hat the pattern assumes 13 stitches by 16 rows for a 10cm square.
More stitches: If you when knit the gauge swatch, you have more stitches and rows than the assumed stitches and rows for the 10cm square, you may want to use larger needles to get the right tension.
Few stitches: If you when you knit the gauge swatch, you have fewer stitches and rows than the assumed stitches and rows for the 10cm square, you may want to use smaller needles to get the right tension.
Guidance: The pattern and video tutorial will provide you step-by-step guidance on how to create the gauge swatch. Please do not skip this step as this helps you decide whether or not you need to adjust your needle size as outlined above.
Other names for a gauge swatch are: swatch, test swatch, swatch, gauge, all of which are used interchangeably.
Warning: Do not skip this step because this could affect the final size of your hat.
