It's not terribly difficult. I mean, you already know how to knit so you're good there.
It gives us a ton of information before we start a project, such as;
1. Gauge: You'll know immediately if your gauge is too loose (project will be way to big), too tight (project will be too small) or spot on (perfect fit = happy knitter)
2. You get a chance to play with the yarn for your project. You know if it feels good to knit with, does it split? Does it glide over the needles or stick like Aunt May's toffee to the roof of your mouth.
3. It takes a minimal amount of yarn from your project to crack out a 4x4 swatch. If you run out of yarn at the end of your project then any number of things happened.
a. Your swatch is too big.
b. You thought you were spot on with your gauge but probably shouldn't have checked it after that third glass of wine.
c. You miscalculated how much yarn you needed for the project. (rookie mistake, always buy an extra skein, it's like extra life insurance on your spouse)
4. If you swatch consistently and do it *correctly. You will eventually end up with quite a rogue collection of knit coasters to pass out at parties.
I hate swatching.
I never swatch before a project.
I'm more of a dive headlong into the project, my **gauge is always perfect kind of girl.
This has burned me in the past.
But I still never swatch.
If the sweater doesn't fit me, it'll fit someone right?
Hat too small? No worries, I know some little ones who wear hats all the time.
I did discover last night though, as I wound up the skein for my next project....
I will swatch if I have to knit sleeves.
Those f'ing sleeves.
Bring me all the swatching!
Happy Hump Day!
*Correct gauge swatch is: Knit the swatch in pattern if specified. Bind off. Weave in the tails. Block and dry it. Then measure. The last step is key, or so I've been told.
**My gauge is rarely perfect.
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