Knitting tension swatches

[TerraNostra]

A question- my pattern says I need to do 24 rows of 18 stitches and I should get 10cm of knitting if tension correct.

If I do 12 rows and it measures 5 cm, is that a good enough check? I'm too lazy to knit the whole test swatch, I just want to get on with my project (Christmas jumper for 6 year old DS).

A secondary question- let's say I do the full swatch and it only measures 9cm. What do I do- switch to a smaller or bigger needle size, or try to knit it again with a looser stitch?

Thanks'

Are you using the recommended yarn?

Best to do more rows and stitches, then in the middle of the swatch measure 10cm horizontally and 10 cm vertically and count stitches and rows - I use a 10cm square window template.

If less stitches than guage then use smaller needles.

If more stitches than guage thern use larger needles.

Lots of Youtube videos if you need clarification.

And I can spell GAUGE usually....

Thank you!

It's only a kid's Christmas jumper, and I am knitting to a size that will be quite big on him anyway, so not the end of the world if the fit is a bit off. But I should develop good habits for the next time I knit something for myself!

If the size isn't that crucial I often skip the test swatch.

Ducks and runs....

I knit a lot...I've never swatched 😬

I knit* a lot...I've never swatched 😬*

Me neither.

I never do either - I know I should but I just can’t bear to do it.

OP, as PPs said, if your swatch is too small switch to a larger needle; don’t try to make looser stitches as it’s more likely to make your knitting look uneven.

I personally think the stitch gauge is more important than the row gauge. I think you're good to go. Usually jumper patterns give instructions like 'continue knitting until work measures 10cm from x', hence less concern with the row gauge. Just get that stitch gauge right.

I only knit blankets and toys, so nothing to be worn; I have never knitted a swatch!