Swatch in the Round Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks for the Staple Tee KAL
Hey, knitting pals! Did you catch our first knitting-focused Staple Tee KAL livestream that happened last Sunday? We dove headfirst into everyone's favorite topic... swatching! 😉 But hey, before you roll your eyes, let me tell you, this livestream was packed with important tips and tricks to ensure your Staple Tee fits like a dream. And from the buzz on the Staple Tee KAL Discord, it seems like you're all just as excited as I am to get started!
If you missed it (or just want to relive the excitement), grab your yarn and needles, and let's dive into the recap!
Not signed up yet? No worries! Sign up for the Staple Tee KAL here.
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of those links, I earn some yarn money at no extra cost to you!
Key Highlights
We started off with the important new updates to the Staple Tee pattern. The math has been slightly tweaked, it's easier to follow, and there's even a yarn estimate calculator now! Plus, you can use either imperial or metric measurements. Woohoo!
If you bought the pattern on Ravelry, you should already have the updated version in your library.
If you purchased on Etsy, just email me at jeanette@newwaveknitting.com with the subject “Staple Tee update”. Include your order number, and I'll send you the update!
We talked all about the importance of swatching and why it's crucial for getting a good fit on your finished tee.
I shared my secrets for swatching in the round.
We chatted about how to choose the right needles based on your yarn and gauge.
I even shared a few tips from the Knit Your Wardrobe Summit (my presentation) about why gauge is so important for garments plus my FREE gauge tracker and project log.
And we covered so much more in the livestream, so be sure to check out the replay for all the details!
A Closer Look at the Details
Why You'll Love Our KAL
First things first, I spilled the beans on the biggest perk of joining the Staple Tee KAL: our amazing Discord community! It's a super supportive group of knitters from all over the world, with all different levels of experience. You can ask questions, share your progress, and get inspired by other knitters' gorgeous tees. It's a seriously fun and positive place to be, so if you haven't joined yet, come on over and say hi!
Why Swatching Matters
Then, we chatted about why swatching is so important, especially for a made-to-measure pattern like the Staple Tee. A little extra effort upfront saves you a lot of heartache later on! I showed you exactly how to swatch in the round, including how to cast on, work your stitches, and measure your gauge accurately. I even demo-ed my favorite square needles from Kollage Square which are a lifesaver for my hands and wrists, especially when working with cotton. If you want to check them out for yourself, you can snag a 10% off coupon with my code NEWWAVE10.
Ready to join the fun and knit your dream tee alongside a supportive community of knitters?
It's not too late to join the Staple Tee KAL!
Gauge Talk: Get It Right, Get It Gorgeous
We talked about how gauge is the key to a tee that fits you perfectly and drapes beautifully. No one wants saggy armholes or a body that is too tight, am I right? So, we covered some common gauge mistakes and how to troubleshoot them.
How to Swatch in the Round
During the livestream, we tackled swatching in the round, because that's how we'll be knitting the Staple Tee. If you're new to this or feeling a little nervous, no worries! It's easier than you might think.
Here's the basic gist (you can find the full instructions in the pattern & on the live stream replay, too!):
Cast On: Using circular needles, cast on 1.5 times the number of stitches you expect to need for 6 inches (15 cm). This gives you plenty of room to measure your gauge accurately.
Knit in the Round: Knit across all the stitches like you normally would.
Slide and Knit: When you get to the end of the round, slide your stitches to the other end of the needle. Insert your needle into the first stitch, drape your working yarn across the back (leave plenty of slack!), and knit across as normal.
Repeat: Keep repeating step 3 until you've worked at least 6 inches (15 cm) of fabric.
Cast Off and Block: Once your swatch is big enough, cast off your stitches. Snip the strands on the back of the swatch (those are just the floats from carrying the yarn between rounds), then give it a good soak and block it. This will help the stitches relax and give you the most accurate gauge possible.
Measure Your Gauge: Once your swatch is dry, measure a 4-inch by 4-inch (10 cm x 10 cm) square in the center and count your stitches and rows. Voilà – you've got your gauge! And it's essential for making sure your finished tee fits you perfectly!
I know it might seem a little fiddly at first, but trust me, it gets easier with practice.
Yarn Talk and Eco-Friendly Knits
We also chatted about yarn choices, and I shared my personal love-hate relationship with superwash wool. While it's super convenient, it's not always the most eco-friendly option. But hey, all yarns are welcome in this KAL! If you're looking for some plant-based alternatives, check out my blog post on yarn suggestions.
Block Party!
We wrapped up the livestream with a demo on blocking your swatch. It's a simple process but can make a huge difference in getting accurate measurements.
Show and Tell Time!
I loved seeing all your beautiful WIPs (works in progress) on Discord! And for those of you who haven't started yet, there's still plenty of time to cast on. Just remember, you can enter multiple finished tees to increase your chances of winning some awesome prizes.
Participant Spotlight
Chatter from the KAL Community: Questions, Answers, and All the Feels!
The Discord chat was buzzing with questions and excitement during our livestream! You all had some great questions, and I loved chatting with you about all things swatching (We tackled everything from pattern updates and yarn substitutions to gauge tips and tricks.)
One of my favorite things about the KAL community is how generous you all are with sharing tips and ideas just like when Anna shared a link to an alternative swatching technique, that everyone loves, where they can avoid those pesky floats on the back of the swatch. Check it out here: Alternative swatching technique. I love seeing you all helping each other out!
Questions from the Discord
Q: I'm a bit confused about the pattern update. Should I start over if my stitch counts don't match?
A: No worries! If you've already started with the original pattern, just keep on keepin' on. If you're just getting started, though, I recommend using the Staple Tee updated pattern. It's got some cool new features (like a yarn calculator!) and is a bit easier to follow.
Q: Can I use polyester yarn for the Staple Tee?
A: Absolutely! The pattern is pretty flexible, so most yarns will work. Just be sure to swatch first to see how you like the drape. Keep in mind that polyester might not be as breathable as cotton, so if you tend to run hot, you might want to consider a natural fiber.
Q: What about stripes?
A: Stripes are totally doable! Just be mindful of the German short rows (GSRs) in the collar. I recommend knitting the collar in one color and then adding stripes to the body and sleeves. Check the pattern for a link to a tutorial on jogless stripes!
And let's not forget all the fun chatter and WIP photos! You guys are a creative and inspiring bunch, and I'm especially proud of those who are swatching for the very first time (high five!). The chat has been buzzing with tips and tricks, and it's been amazing to see how everyone is supporting each other. The power of community, right? Remember, a little swatching goes a long way in ensuring a perfect fit for your Staple Tee, so keep up the awesome work! Keep sharing your progress and questions – I love seeing your enthusiasm!
Tips from the Livestream:
Swatch in the round for the most accurate gauge, especially for garments knit in the round.
Use circular needles for swatching in the round.
Make your floats wider than the width of your swatch.
If you’re afraid of not having enough yarn for your project, don’t cut the floats after you cast them off. That way, you can unravel your yarn if you need to.
Get creative with your yarn choices! Stripes, colorwork, and variegated yarns are all welcome in the KAL.
P.S. Don't forget to join the Discord if you haven't already! It's a great place to connect with other knitters, ask questions, and get inspired.
Upcoming Livestream Preview
Cast On + Collar Fold (June 9th, 12 PM EST)
Next week, we'll be moving on to the exciting part: casting on! I'll show you how to do a two-needle cast on (so you don’t have to do a provisional cast on), join your work in the round for a seamless join, and even tackle that cool collar fold. It's going to be a party, so, don't miss out! See you on Sunday!
Additional Resources
Need a Little Swatching Help? If you're still feeling a little unsure about swatching, don't worry! I've got your back. Head over to my blog posts for all the details.
And if you're still on the fence about joining the KAL, head over to our KAL information page to sign up and get all the details.
Bonus Tip! Download my FREE Gauge Log + Project Tracker! It's super handy for keeping track of your gauge and project details. You can even customize it for knitting or crochet!
The Staple Tee
Don't miss out on knitting the perfect tee! Grab your Staple Tee pattern now and join the KAL!
Missed the swatching livestream? No worries! Catch the replay to join in on the fun, whether you're #teamlive or #teamreplay!
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Shop My Favorite Supplies
〰️ Shop My Favorite Supplies
Check out these tools & yarns that I Love (and You Might Too!)
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn some yarn money at no extra cost to you!
Twice Sheared Sheep
I'm absolutely obsessed with their chain row counters! They're the perfect way to keep track of your rows and add a little personality to your project. Their other notions are equally charming and practical.
Arcane Fiber Works
Their yarns are perfect for adding a little extra flair to your Staple Tee (and they're pretty irresistible for any project, if you ask me).
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Kollage Square Needles
The square shape of these knitting needles makes them ergonomic, which means they are easier on your hands, wrists, and arms! These are my go-to needles for preventing arm pain.
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Alright, #teamlive & #teamreplay, your homework this week is to finish up that swatch and give it a good soak and block. If your swatch isn't quite right, don't stress – just try a different needle size. And remember, I'm always here to help! If you have any questions, are feeling stuck, or need a swatching pep talk, drop a comment below or come chat on Discord. I love hearing from you! 👇
Relive the excitement of our final Staple Tee KAL livestream! Join us as we celebrate your beautiful creations, announce prize winners, and share our gratitude for this amazing community.