Mastering the Silver Reed SK840
Knit a swatch
SWATCHING IS NOT OPTIONAL
Swatching is ESSENTIAL for your success with machine knitting.
Swatches have many uses:
Swatching is ESSENTIAL for your success with machine knitting.
Swatches have many uses:
- Establish stitch and row gauge
- Test stitch patterns
- Practice techniques
- Determine how much yarn is needed
- Set your row counter to 000
- Thread the mast with your working yarn. Make sure it flows smoothly through the mast
- Thread your carriage with the yarn in the "A" feeder
- Use the cast on method of your choice: Cast on 60 stitches
- Knit for 80 rows
- Bind off
Knit at an even speed
Not too far past the edge of the knitting
When you are just getting started exploring your machine, the number of stitches to cast on and rows to knit isn't critical. Measuring over 40 stitches and 60 rows is the recommended standard for your machine. This standard was established by using a Gauge Ruler to measure gauge.
No matter how you measure, establishing gauge IS CRITICAL to success with your knitting machine.
No matter how you measure, establishing gauge IS CRITICAL to success with your knitting machine.
To knit a "proper" swatch (in any stitch pattern)
- Cast on 60 stitches with the method of your choice
- Knit 10 rows with your garment yarn
- Knit 2 rows with a contrasting color (similar weight yarn)
- Knit 20 rows. Isolate and mark 40 stitches (needles L21 and R21)
- Knit 20 rows. Isolate and mark 40 stitches
- Knit 20 rows. (a total of 60 rows after the contrasting row)
- Knit 2 rows with a contrasting color
- Knit 10 rows with the garment yarn
- Bind off (this is a good time to practice different bind off methods)