Woolly Wednesday: Which yarns do you make a gauge swatch for?

Dear users, dear authors,
how do you handle gauge swatches?
How is the yarn doing?

My yarn is doing very well! :) It’s looking forward to being worked with.

I have to admit that I’ve skipped making a gauge swatch quite often, which then meant I had to unravel it later.

Ever since I started writing patterns myself, I always make a gauge swatch, often even with different colors. That way, I can see right away how they harmonize with each other.

It’s really worth it, because then the measurements are clear and you save yourself the trouble of unraveling. Besides, everyone knits differently—some more tightly, others more loosely. This way, you can check whether the specified stitch count matches your own technique.

When crocheting, I don’t do a gauge swatch; I go by centimeters. That’s always worked out well for me so far.

Gauge swatches are especially important for clothing! It’s best to wash and block them first, then measure them while dry, since large pieces tend to stretch out due to the weight of the yarn. Ideally, the gauge swatch should be 20x20 cm so you can take the 10x10 cm measurement from the center. Smaller swatches can easily skew the results, since the edges tend to contract or curl up. It may be a hassle, but it saves you a lot of trouble.

My yarn is doing fine. I ordered some new yarn (in beautiful fall colors ;)) and am still waiting for it to arrive. Maybe the package is already at home.  

I don’t decide whether to make a gauge swatch based on the material either, but on the project.

For amigurumi, shawls, etc., I never make one... It basically doesn’t matter how big it ends up being.

With clothing, it can be very frustrating if it doesn’t fit in the end. 

My yarn is doing great. It’s getting lighter, which makes me very happy.

I’m not really into doing gauge swatches. I just start knitting and rip it out as many times as it takes until it fits. No matter how many times I’ve done a gauge swatch, it always ends up being too small or too big.

As a guide, I use the information on the ball band, convert everything to my desired size, and that usually works out pretty well. 

I don’t do a gauge swatch either.
I’ve never been able to get used to it.

As for yarn, I’m thinking about whether to buy some for the fall sale.