Rows and Sweater Wizard

Measurements vs. Stitch/Row Count:

Measurements are used in the design process.

Measurements are used in the blocking process.

Stitch/Row counts are used in the knitting process!

It goes without saying, that we all follow stitch count and don’t think twice about it. I never understood why we weren’t taught that row count was just as important.

Of course, the last statement is based on the assumption that a swatch has been knitted and blocked in the same way as the finished garment.

It took me years to follow the advice of professional knitters and discipline myself to knit a sizable swatch and then treat it as I would the finished sweater. The swatch is the basis for a well knit, perfectly fit garment. The swatch tells us everything we need to know for design The Sweater Wizard uses the swatch information to create a chart that will guide the knitter through completion of the envisioned garment.

Most hand knitters pay more attention to measuring inches during the process of knitting a garment, rather than to row count. This can be very deceptive. The chart is based on the stitch and row count of the finished swatch. Ideally, the swatch has been blocked. While knitting, the knitter is working with the raw, unblocked material. Measuring becomes almost irrelevant. Row count becomes all important!

Correct row count will block to the final measurements which were entered into Sweater Wizard. Correct row count will facilitate seaming of pieces in flat knitting. Correct row count will produce a more accurate yarn yardage approximation.