Swatch Side
strong>swatch side
My crochet gauge swatch is ok sideways but too short, how do I fix it?
My pattern says 15 stitches and 10 rows of hdc = 4 inches. Using the recommended hook, I got about 14.5 stitches sideways, close enough for me. But up and down it's only about 2.5 inches. If I go up a hook, won't my stitches get bigger side to side too? Is there a way to make my stitches taller without getting wider?
This is a problem I've had every time I've made a swatch, not just this yarn or this hook. Always too short. When I tried filet crochet I had to use a triple crochet instead of a double to make a square.
Any suggestions???
Hi,
Treat your swatch as you will the finished project. Wash it and block it to size. Even just hanging it for a while with a weight on one side will tell you if the project will stretch.
If blocking solves the problem, you are okay. If not, you may need to work your stitches more loosely. I suggest what I call "swooping." What I mean is don't make the stitch right at the hook. Push the hook further into each stitch and form the stitch over the body of the hook. There should be a bit of room between your hook and the bottom of the stitch, enough to see light through.
Or try using the next size up hook to see what you get. You may just be crocheting too tightly.
In any case, the stitch gauge is usually more important than the row gauge. I would just work more rows and maintain a zen attitude.
DH
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