#KnitTip

[@amysheridan4496]

This is such a good technique! I love not wasting the yarn. Thanks so much for demonstrating it.

[@Wendybookknits]

Laura, I'm an experienced knitter and I have never seen this before. I hate swatching in the round with all those loose end stitches it drives me crazy. I am getting ready to do a test knit and I'm definitely going to try this! Brillant and thank you❤

[@LauraNelkin]

Psyched you like it! I learned about it from patty lyons and then found a few other versions of it and wanted to share my own!

[@elysecoleman3654]

IMHO Patty rocks at being a knitting guru. I think she is just about if not already on par with Elizabeth Zimmerman@@LauraNelkin

[@zoedoodle]

This is super helpful. I've struggled with gauge swatches so much! I do them but it all just seems so erratic especially when trying to gauge in the round. This technique makes a lot of sense and I'm going to give it a try right away! Thank you!

[@crc532]

You are a fantastic teacher. You taught me how to read a chart in a class at Squam years ago and I thank you! You have now made gauge switching in the round that much easier for me.

[@LauraNelkin]

Yeah! I am so glad this helps!

[@Christine-in3oo]

This is just brilliant. I had tried the long loop method but didn't like it and don't want to waste my yarn by chopping up every swatch. I am so glad I found this tutorial and #KnitTips.

[@patriciaallen519]

You are a Genius! Thanks so much for sharing. This technique is a huge game changer for me. Much appreciated!

[@barbaramarler5524]

This is a game changer! Thank you so much for the video!

[@maryannbergeron9531]

Ginger from In Sheep’s Clothing Yarn Shop told her followers about your channel and this gauge swatch technique. This is genius and I’ll definitely be using it before I start another project. I did subscribe to your channel. Thank you so much.

[@cindyehlers6714]

Thank you! Absolutely Genius! Now I won’t dread swatching in the round so much!

[@vivc4082]

Dear Laura, this is magical !!!!! Thanks for always teaching me new things :) viv

[@LauraNelkin]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Eiaknits2012]

So glad I found your explanation on swatching in the round! I was just swatching this way for the first time and wanted to make sure I was correct in my understanding of the process. Your way is so helpful! Thanking you for sharing 😊

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome!!!

[@justbewvl7280]

Perfect timing. I’m about to knit my first sweater and need to gauge swatch in the round. Thank you!

[@happycrabknits9109]

same!

[@stitchy_linn]

This is amazing and I’m going to employ this in my Bling Tee swatching! Laura you never cease to teach me something new and wonderful. Love you!

[@slavicapyne9031]

Hello Laura, Thank you so much for showing us how this technique works, I have never seem that way before. I really like the way your not wasting yarn. I will be using this method from now on. Thank you again.

[@LauraNelkin]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@pammerryweather7914]

Brilliant!

[@CelticCrafterErin]

Game changer!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@LauraNelkin]

You're so welcome! and I agree! Total game changer!

[@milabulic]

So glad I found this! Thank you ❤

[@crec78900]

thanks! This is brilliant! Definitely a game changer. I love your videos. You just do a fantastic job and they are clear and your bubbly personality is warm and engaging. Thank you Laura.

[@jeanlofaso7997]

Thank you! This is wonderful as I prefer to knit in the round. My friend Carol clued me in about your videos I am glad she did.

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome!

[@Erginartesia]

Im just getting back into knitting and found your channel I used to know all this but dang.. I’ve forgotten a lot Also, I love that you keep searching for new shortcut methods. Subscribed❤

[@reneefitzgerald2501]

That is such a clever way to do it. Thank you for sharing!

[@kathieling]

Thank you so much for sharing this ingenious method! I’ve always substituted swatching flat for knitted in the round projects and now you’ve shown a MUCH easier way! Can’t wait to try it out!❤

[@dawnmrodgers]

This is wonderful. I love learning new techniques

[@valerieeisenberg9070]

I've loved this method every since I first learned it from Patty Lyon's book. I've been doing it for the last year! Love it!!

[@LauraNelkin]

It's so good! I learned it from a video Patty posted on IG last year, and then also found other YT videos by others on it. Total game changer!

[@valerieeisenberg9070]

@@LauraNelkin You're videos are really well done!

[@sharonhouck1152]

This is exactly what I need for my next project. Thank you.

[@LauraNelkin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinorr6880]

Hmm, thank you. Very helpful. I did subscribe. I came to you by accident but stayed initially because I have a friend who lives in the Finger Lakes area. Then, you had me hooked with your willingness to help. I will contact you for an opinion because I have never made a lady's summer top and I need to make some for a daughter.

[@margiegarbarino8583]

Brilliant! Thank you for showing this.

[@LauraNelkin]

My pleasure!

[@Melmaz32]

That’s a great way to knit a swatch!! Thank you so much!!

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome!

[@mariehansen2534]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This is such a fantastic tutorial and it is almost life changing. I am wonderful why no one has thought of it before. Thanking you again. All the best.

[@LauraNelkin]

Glad it was helpful! But I have to say people have definitely thought of it before.... I did not invent it, but learned it and wanted to share how I work this trick!

[@hanhvuong8898]

What a precious video.

[@LauraNelkin]

Aw, I'm glad you liked it!

[@amyhass6861]

Wow! This is amazing. I love doing swatches, but I will love doing in the round even more with this new technique. Thank you for sharing!

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome!

[@atolanib]

Hi Laura! Thank you for sharing this. I have taken to this and it's brilliant. I'm knitting my first jumper and i needed a tutorial for knitting gauge in the round and came across your video and i am so impressed. i can't say thank you enough

[@kendram7511]

Life changing technique- thanks for sharing!

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome!

[@tonnieschmidt796]

This is brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing 🙏☀️

[@pamalexander3671]

What great timing! I am about to swatch a cable hat with some expensive yarn. I was dreading having to cut the yarn, so this will work perfectly!!! Thanks, Laura.

[@ivonneweller4043]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial!

[@LauraNelkin]

You're very welcome!

[@nicolewagner1512]

Wow, what a clever technique! Thank you for sharing this, I will definitely add it to my knitting arsenal!

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome!

[@amandak1683]

Absolutely love this! I'm always torn on whether or not to spend the yarn on a swatch in-the-round. Thank you! ❤

[@LauraNelkin]

You are so welcome! I LOVE IT TOO! (and can't believe I haven't shared it sooner!)

[@christinegivens9048]

Ooooooh! What a clever idea! Thank you. x

[@LauraNelkin]

Glad you like it!

[@EverythingBekka]

This is awesome! Thank you so much for this tip!!

[@dagmarburrer4913]

Just got my kit. So excited. Will start tomorrow. ❤❤

[@baharyirmibes8640]

I've always wondered about this. Thank you❤️

[@LauraNelkin]

You're so welcome!

[@123midnite]

Excellent! Thank you Laura!

[@sallynelson5570]

I have knitted quite a few sweaters in the round and love this new method of swatching. My only challenge is I have to measure out five or six times the length to be able to have enough yarn to do 30 cast on stitches on a US 7 needle. Besides this, I am following the video and just love it. Any thoughts on why I am having to measure out so much yarn to be able to do this. If I don’t measure out this much I run out of yarn to knit back the cast on row. Thank you for your guidance.

[@annmcnew2485]

Love it! I never left a loose enough backloop and hated cutting the yarn.

[@LauraNelkin]

I totally hear you!!!

[@seamstressdragon8707]

Hi Laura, I am loving the swatching technique as I need to do one for my sweater project. I see that you are knitting continental style and I knit using the English knitting/throwing method. Can I knit this method with the working yarn in my right hand or do I need to learn to use my other hand? Thanks :)

[@lynnewillette2654]

The method works with any knitting style.

[@cwanlin128]

Great idea!! That way you don't lose that yarn if you need it for your project as you do when you cut the loops!! Thank you!!

[@LauraNelkin]

So true! That's part of why I love this technique!!!

[@amyrofgnknits]

Game changer!!!

[@LottaSocks]

Wellll… such a simple alternative! This is going to the TOP of my “Do’s and Dont’s” page in my Knitting Journal!! (When I type this here, it doesn’t look right, aside from bad grammar…ahem. Two apostrophes or one …? hmmm) Thank You!!! (Filed under: Why didn’t I think of this?!)

[@LauraNelkin]

Excellent! Happy to share!

[@beverlyhess611]

This is amazing! I always hated gauging in the round bc it wasted so much yarn, esp if you ended up playing yarn chicken and needed it and couldn’t use it bc you had to cut it! I’m definitely using this method from now on. Oh, and speaking of gauge….how do you gauge your colorwork items?

[@LauraNelkin]

I just did a colorwork gauge swatch in the round and used this same technique!

[@judygrayson7896]

Mine was a bit sloppy because I think this takes a bit of practice. Also I see your a continental knitter so a bit trickier for English. Have you done a video how to reclaim your swatch yarn?

[@LauraNelkin]

I have not done that, but it is easy! After blocking if you need that yarn back just unwind your swatch into a hank, and steam or wet it to get out the kink. Then let it dry and it is ready to knit with again!

[@leetlesnyder]

Yes, I too am an English knitter…definitely harder…I’ve tried it and kept grabbing the “wrong working yarn.” I would love it Laura if you could demonstrate this “English style.” It’s brilliant, but I feel like,as an English style knitter, I’m not knitting properly when using that big loop of yarn, so it may affect my gauge accuracy?

[@MaesRuth]

Thank you so much for this.

[@LauraNelkin]

Any time!

[@susiedisney2527]

You ever tried knitting a top in fingers sock thread?

[@elisekt1860]

Amazing

[@MelKCh]

So then you nick with the yarn ball attached, then unravel?

[@pinkyknitter9667]

Game changing. Thanks

[@LauraNelkin]

you are welcome!

[@susannewiesen3745]

This is brilliant, Laura! Can’t wait to try it!

[@LauraNelkin]

Enjoy!

[@MrMisssamanthax3]

This is genius!

[@LauraNelkin]

Thanks!

[@jackiewheaton4199]

Thanks, I watched your technique twice. I'm going to knit my first garment and I've been planning to swatch the old way but really don't like it. This seems much less problematic!

[@LauraNelkin]

Wonderful! Can't wait to see it!

[@julietaylor4476]

I've tried this technique, but as a right handed "thower" it seems to require more length so that I can tension the yarn correctly. Do you have any tricks that help with that?

[@sueherman8876]

So do you make the 3+ times loop every other row?

[@LauraNelkin]

Yes, exactly! Though if you are a thrower you might need more yarn!

[@gudrundiurlin5536]

Great tip, thank you!

[@LauraNelkin]

You're welcome!

[@avnhealth]

Hi Laura - your video has come at exactly the right time for me because I needed a way to get gauge in the round and I also don't like all the waste of the long floats in the back. My question is whether you only do the 3 1/2 times strand every second row and on the alternate rows, you just knit as normal? I couldn't quite tell that from your video. Thanks so much 🙂

[@LauraNelkin]

Yes, exactly!!! When you have your working yarn on the left side you will knit across with that, then you'll make the loop and repeat!

[@avnhealth]

Thanks so much for getting back to me,@@LauraNelkin . I should have tried the technique before asking the question - sorry. As soon as I got to that second row, I saw exactly what you meant. 😊

[@kodigoldenboy]

Brilliant! I need to do a swatch for a hat "in the round" and I'm definitely going to give this a try. I haven't done a lot of hats so I wonder if I need to block it differently for a hat swatch? Or is it the same?

[@LauraNelkin]

The same!

[@tracycaines7009]

Can you tell me the name of the top you are wearing. It’s so pretty.

[@LauraNelkin]

Oh, thanks! That is Bling-T! www.nelkindesigns.com/blingt

[@brendamcbride2868]

Thank you for the video. I think this is a good technique, but as an English knitter who throws, I found it to be a bit fiddly. The yarn needs to be more like 4.5 to 5 lengths for my style of knitting.

[@marieinmexico]

love this!

[@LorraineWaitman]

Love this -- Brilliant!

[@reignbough73]

This is genius! I avoid swatching in the round because the long strands around the back drive me crazy!!!

[@LauraNelkin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timapriess2773]

Ok I’m missing something. I didn’t see where you said you would do the technique again. So when you’re done with the row and you have the small loop and then slide over and k with working yarn, when do you add the 3x length again? I looked again and was picking up the working yarn not the loop yarn. It’s hard to see what you picked up. But I’m still running out of loop yarn with 4 lengths. Is it different if you pick not throw?

[@LauraNelkin]

I think try 5 lengths and see if that helps?

[@singingmomma]

Help! This technique looks so simple when you do it, but I'm a thrower, and I got tied up in knots! Any tips for me?

[@LauraNelkin]

Ah, someone actually just asked this in my Ravelry group and another thrower responded with this tip: I hold the yarn in my right hand and have it wrapped around & running through some fingers. I found I needed to measure out 4 & 1/2 to 5 lengths of yarn to have enough to hold while knitting. Also, I knit the 1st stitch with my working yarn, then dropped that yarn & picked up the measured out yarn. Just experiment with how much yarn you need to pull out. I hope this helps.

[@sandradudgeon572]

Brilliant! 🎉

[@LauraNelkin]

🥰

[@sammier9270]

Help! What am i doing wrong.? I finally got that little tail on the left. I've tried for over an hour to do it again. I hold my yarn in my right hand, so i knit a few stitches and the working yarn in a the loop. Over and over. 😢

[@LauraNelkin]

Ok, so first work one row with the loop, and then slide your sts to the other end of the needle and use the working yarn for the next row.

[@marciakerschen5022]

Mind blowing!!!!❤

[@JustJuliax]

Genius

[@evabazan1966]

So you only need to pull extra yarn every other row?

[@SheilaWalton-ik2di]

Same question

[@crystalsmith3283]

Genius!!!

[@betsyjustis5451]

What do you do if you didn’t get enough yarn in your loop? Unknit…..

[@LauraNelkin]

Exactly! You don't want to knit tightly as that will mess up your gauge!

[@LaniPaz]

This is genius! I hated the giant floats and then cutting the yarn! What a waste of yarn, especially if you have to knit multiple swatches!

[@LauraNelkin]

Thanks!

[@gabrielecarter5440]

OMG!!

[@gicamariaacessorios]

Woww... is very interesting but why don't you want to knit the wrong side?

[@gicamariaacessorios]

I asked because I'm Brazilian and I don't understand spoken English very well... Thanks you!!!

[@LauraNelkin]

Ah, I talk about that a bit at the beginning... when you are working a project in the round you are only working right side rows... so when you swatch you need to swatch the same way you knit!

[@carlinianam0s]

​@@gicamariaacessoriosI also want to add to what Laura says - when you knit on the wrong side, you are creating garter stitch instead of stockinette. When you work in the round you only work on the right side, and to make stockinette stitch in the round, you ONLY knit, no purling. Alternating between knitting and purling _in the round_ will give you garter stitch, but only knitting (on the wrong AND right sides) when you knit _flat_ will give you garter

[@KnitNerd_]

🤯

[@LauraNelkin]

MIND BLOWN!

[@3Dhyana]

The demonstration was so brief I didnt understand how to do it

[@LauraNelkin]

You can slow down the video and watch it at half speed with captions if that helps!