How and Why You Need a Crochet Gauge Swatch

How to Make a Gauge Swatch and Determine How Many Chains to Start Your Blanket

When you’re starting a crochet project, especially a larger one like a blanket, you may wonder if you really need to make a gauge swatch. The answer is yes! A gauge swatch is a simple but essential tool to help ensure your project turns out the right size and shape, especially if you're following a pattern. It helps you determine how many chains to start with and whether your stitches are the right size for the project you're working on.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make a gauge swatch, how to measure it, and how to use that information to figure out how many chains you need to begin a blanket.

What You’ll Need to Make a Gauge Swatch

To get started with your gauge swatch, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

• The hook you'll be using for your project
• The yarn you'll be using for your project
• A tape measure

How to Make a Gauge Swatch

1. Check the pattern’s gauge instructions: If you're making a gauge swatch before starting a pattern, the pattern should specify the gauge—usually in terms of stitches per 4 inches (or another measurement like 5 inches). For example, it might say "4 inches = 6 stitches" or a similar instruction. This will give you a target for your swatch.

2. Create your starting chain: If your pattern says something like “6 stitches = 4 inches,” it’s a good idea to make your chain a little bit longer than that. For example, if the pattern says 6 stitches = 4 inches, try making a chain of 10 stitches. This gives you a bit of extra room for measuring.

3. Follow the pattern’s stitch instructions: Your pattern will likely indicate which stitch to use or how many rows to follow when making your gauge swatch. For instance, it might tell you to follow rows 3-5 of the pattern. If that’s the case, you’ll start your swatch using row 3 from the pattern.

4. Crochet your swatch: Work up the swatch with the same stitch and pattern instructions as the project you’ll be doing. If you're following a single crochet pattern, like I am, make sure to follow that stitch for your swatch as well.

Why Make a Gauge Swatch?

There are two main reasons why you’d want to make a gauge swatch:

1. You're about to follow a crochet pattern: It’s always a good idea to make a gauge swatch before starting a pattern because everyone’s tension (how tightly or loosely they crochet) is different. A swatch helps you ensure that your stitches match the pattern’s recommended gauge, which is crucial for the project to come out the right size.

2. You want to determine how many chains to start your project: Sometimes, you may already have a stitch, yarn, and hook chosen for a project, like a blanket, but you aren’t sure how many chains to begin with. A gauge swatch helps you figure that out so your blanket is the right width.

How to Measure Your Gauge Swatch

Once you’ve crocheted your swatch, you’ll need to measure it.

1. Measure the width and the rows: Typically, you'll measure a 4x4 inch square (although some patterns may ask for a 5x5 inch swatch). Use your tape measure to measure 4 inches across your swatch, then count how many stitches fit in that 4-inch span. For example, in my swatch, I have 7 stitches across the 4-inch width.

2. Measure the rows: Next, measure the number of rows that fit into the 4-inch height of your swatch. In my case, there are 7 rows within the 4 inches. This is typical for single crochet, but it can vary depending on the stitch you’re using.

Adjusting Your Gauge

If your swatch has too many stitches in the 4-inch section, it means your stitches are too tight, and you’ll need to go up a hook size. If you have too few stitches (meaning your stitches are too loose), try going down a hook size. You can also experiment with different yarns if needed.

How to Calculate How Many Chains to Start Your Blanket

Now that you've made your gauge swatch and measured it, it’s time to figure out how many chains you’ll need to start your project. Here’s how to do the math:

1. Divide your number of stitches by the measurement: For example, in my swatch, I have 7 stitches in 4 inches. To find how many stitches fit into one inch, divide the number of stitches by 4 (7 ÷ 4 = 1.75). This means that one inch of your project will be 1.75 stitches wide.

2. Determine the desired width of your project: Let’s say you want your blanket to be 50 inches wide. Now you just need to multiply the number of stitches per inch (1.75) by the width of your project (50 inches).

   So, 50 x 1.75 = 87.5.

   Since you can’t crochet half a stitch, round the number up to 88.

3. Adjust for multiples: Some patterns require stitches that work in specific multiples. For instance, if the pattern works in multiples of 3, adjust the number up or down to match that requirement.

Now, you’re ready to start chaining your project! For this example, you’d chain 88 stitches to start your blanket.

Final Thoughts

Making a gauge swatch may seem like an extra step, but it’s an important one to ensure your crochet project turns out the right size. Whether you're following a pattern or starting a project like a blanket from scratch, a gauge swatch will help you achieve the correct dimensions and avoid frustration later on.

I hope this guide was helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you’re looking for more crochet patterns, check out my patterns here. You can also find me on TikTok and Instagram for more tips and tutorials.

Happy crocheting, and I’ll see you next time!