How to Make a Gauge Swatch for the #EasySummerCardiKAL

Get ready to cast on with confidence! Before we kick off the cozy and colorful #EasySummerCardiKAL, there’s one small but super important step you don’t want to skip: your gauge swatch.

In this post, we’ll explain why it matters, how to make it, how to wash it, and how to measure it once it’s dry, so you’ll be all set when Part 1 of the pattern drops. ✨

This guide has been created in collaboration with the designers behind the KAL – the wonderful Elisabeth and Christine from easy as knit.

Curious about the story behind the KAL? easy as knit spill the beans juuust a little bit in this blog post: Scandi Style & Secret Stitches – The Story Behind the #EasySummerCardiKAL.

Why Do I Need to Make a Gauge Swatch?

We know... swatching isn’t the most glamorous part of knitting. But trust us — it’s absolutely worth it! Here's why:

✅ It helps you make sure your cardigan will fit.
✅ It ensures you don’t run out of yarn before you finish.
✅ It gives you a chance to practice the chequered stitch pattern.
✅ It helps you find the right tension before the KAL begins.

Think of your swatch as your warm-up round – a way to get familiar with the stitches, test your tension, and avoid surprises later on.

How to Make Your Swatch

Before you get started, Elisabeth & Christine from easy as knit have put together this simple guide to help you make the perfect swatch for the #EasySummerCardiKAL.

The cardigan is knitted in a beautiful chequered pattern made with knit and purl stitches. To get an accurate gauge, you’ll hold two strands of yarn together and use 5 mm circular needles (worked back and forth).

The correct gauge for this project is: 
17 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm (measured after washing)

Here’s How to Knit Your Swatch

1. Cast on 29 stitches.
   This will give you enough stitches to measure your gauge and see the pattern.
   
   

2. Work the chequered pattern as follows:

   Row 1 (back side): Knit the edge stitch – purl 3 stitches – repeat knit 5, purl 3 until 1 stitch remains – knit the edge stitch.

   Row 2 (front side): Knit the edge stitch – knit 3 stitches – repeat purl 5, knit 3 until 1 stitch remains – knit the edge stitch.

   Row 3 (back side): Same as Row 1.

   Row 4 (front side): Same as Row 2.

   Row 5 (back side): Same as Row 1.

   Row 6 (front side): Knit all stitches.

   Row 7 (back side): Knit the edge stitch – knit 4 stitches – repeat purl 3, knit 5 until 8 stitches remain – purl 3, knit 4, knit the edge stitch.

   Row 8 (front side): Knit the edge stitch – purl 4 stitches – repeat knit 3, purl 5 until 8 stitches remain – knit 3, purl 4, knit edge stitch.

   Row 9 (back side): Same as Row 7.

   Row 10 (front side): Same as Row 8.

   Row 11 (back side): Same as Row 7.

   Row 12 (front side): Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 12 rows until your swatch measures at least 10 cm in height. Then, bind off all stitches.

💡 Good to know: The yarn amounts in your kit include extra yarn for making a swatch, so you don’t have to unravel it afterwards.

Watch the Video Below

Here's a video on how to make the gauge swatch for the #EasySummerCardiKAL:

How to Wash Your Swatch

Once you’ve finished knitting, it’s time to give your swatch a wash. 🫧🧼 This step is super important – it’s when the beautiful texture of the cardigan really starts to shine!

Elisabeth & Christine from easy as knit recommend handwashing your swatch gently in cool water. There’s no need to block it afterward – simply lay it flat to dry naturally.

Want to know more about wool care? Read our blog post on how to wash wool yarns.

How to Measure Your Swatch

Once your swatch is completely dry, it’s time to check if your tension matches the pattern gauge. 📏

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay your swatch flat on a smooth surface.
2. Use a measuring tape or ruler and place it in the middle of your swatch (avoid the edges).
3. Count how many stitches fit within 10 cm horizontally (you should have 17 stitches over 10 cm).
4. Count how many rows fit within 10 cm vertically (you should have 26 rows over 10 cm).

What If Your Swatch Doesn’t Match?

If your swatch is a little off, don’t worry – here’s how to adjust:

• Got too many stitches/rows? Your stitches are too small. Try a larger needle size.
• Got too few stitches/rows? Your stitches are too big. Try a smaller needle size.

Take the time to adjust your tension now – it will make a huge difference when you knit the cardigan! 🥰

You’re One Step Closer to Casting On!

Once your swatch is ready, you’re all set to start the #EasySummerCardiKAL with confidence. Swatching might feel like an extra step, but it’s the best way to ensure your finished cardigan will fit beautifully and that you’ll enjoy the knitting process without any unexpected surprises.

Happy swatching – and see you on June 4th! 🩷

The #EasySummerCardiKAL Timeline

The KAL kicks off on June 4 🗓️ Here’s the full timeline: