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Block Party Homework

Homework:

What you need to have ready before the first meeting:

  • Do a gauge swatch to find out what needle size you will need to use.
  • Complete “bottom border” for your first block.

Gauge Swatch:

To do a gauge swatch… start with a size 10 knitting needle:

Use the Long Tail Cast On to cast on 24 stitches.   (Need a refresher on how to do this cast on? Click HERE for a video from Michelle Hunter).

  • Row 1 Purl all stitches.
  • Row 2 Knit all stitches.
  • Repeat these 2 rows until you have 5 inches of knitting.

To measure gauge, you need to lay this square on a hard surface (not your knee!), and using a hard ruler, measure how many stitches are in 4 inches, then measure how many rows are in 4 inches.  You’re shooting for 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches.

What happens if you are getting 15 stitches to the inch (or fewer)?  Go DOWN a needle size, pull out your swatch and knit a new swatch to make sure you’re getting the right gauge.  THIS IS NOT WASTED KNITTING!  You’re getting used to the needle size and the yarn.  It’s good practice!

What happens if you are getting 17 stitches to the inch (or more)?  Go UP a needle size, pull out your swatch and knit a new swatch to make sure you’re getting the right gauge. THIS IS NOT WASTED KNITTING!  You’re getting used to the needle size and the yarn.  It’s good practice!

Why is this important?  If your gauge is too loose… 15 stitches or less… your blocks will be bigger than the 12″x12″ goal AND you’ll probably need to buy more yarn.  Too tight… 17 stitches or more… your blocks will be dense, the patterns may be hard to knit, not looks so nice, as well as not square.  Getting the correct gauge will give you a 12″x12″ block, and give you a nice overall texture for the yarn you’re using.

Bottom Border:

Page 6 of your manual talks about the Long Tail Cast On as well as a little bit about the Borders of your block.  Make sure to read this.  Then go on to Page 10.  Complete the Bottom Border section on Page 10 before you come to the first meeting.   Make sure to read the Tip on Page 11 that talks about Seed Stitch.  This will help you to make your 1st border for your 1st meeting.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Make sure your cast on edge is not TOO tight.  Practice casting on with the Long Tail Cast On to get a loose, even edge.  It could take a couple of tries but it’s best to get a good start.  If you can’t loosen up your cast on edge, try going up 1 needle size to cast on, then switch back to the smaller needle size to complete the block.