How to measure the tissue sample

What is a tissue sample?

A swatch is a small square that you knit before your main project. It's used to check how many stitches and rows fit into a specific measurement , usually 10 x 10 cm . It may seem like a minor detail, but it's the foundation on which any pattern is based. Everyone knits with a different tension; if the pattern calls for 19 stitches in 10 cm and you knit 21, your garment will be smaller. If you knit 17, it will be larger. The swatch acts as a compass, helping you match your tension to the design so that the resulting garment has the correct proportions.

Why it is important to do it

Making a swatch prevents sizing errors and also allows you to connect with the yarn and needles before you begin. Knitting it will help you determine how the material behaves, how the needle glides, and whether you like the drape or texture of the stitch. It's also the most reliable tool for checking your final size , calculating the yarn quantity , and familiarizing yourself with the pattern before moving forward. Far from wasting time, it's an investment in enjoying knitting without setbacks.

Necessary materials

• Needles of the number indicated in the pattern.
• The same ball of yarn you will use in the project.
• Rigid ruler or tape measure.
• Pins or needles to fix the sample.
• Flat, stable surface (table, towel, or blocking mat).

Preparing these materials from the beginning will allow you to measure accurately and avoid deformations when supporting the sample.

How to knit the sample

To get a realistic reading, knit the swatch slightly larger than the 10 cm you will be measuring. This way, the edges won't interfere with the calculation. Cast on enough stitches to achieve a width of 14–16 cm and knit at least 12 cm in height. Always measure in the center area.

Work the swatch in the same stitch as the project (stocking stitch, moss stitch, etc.). If the pattern combines several stitches, make the swatch of the main stitch. Once finished, and if the yarn allows, wash or block the swatch just as you will with the final garment: many fibers change slightly after the first wash.

How to measure the sample step by step

1. Place the sample on a flat surface, without stretching or deforming it.
2. Use a rigid ruler or tape to avoid reading errors.
3. Measure 10 cm horizontally (width) in the center of the sample and count the points that occupy that distance.
4. Measure 10 cm vertically (high) and count how many turns there are.
5. Write down both values. Example: 19 stitches × 28 rows = 10 × 10 cm .

If the spot is textured or uneven, measure in different areas of the sample and calculate the average for a more accurate reference.

What to do if your sample doesn't match

Idealium patterns include a needle size reference; if you want to use the same needle size, the adjustment isn't made by changing the needle size, but by modifying the tension of your knitting :

• If you get more stitches in 10 cm, you are knitting too tightly: relax your hands and let the yarn flow.
• If you get fewer stitches , you are knitting too loosely: hold the yarn a little more firmly.

You may need to repeat the sample once or twice; this little practice improves your accuracy and consistency, and helps you get to know yourself better as a knitter.

Final tips

Save your swatches: they're a reference library for future projects. Label them with yarn, needle size, and stitch type. Remember to measure after blocking when the pattern indicates, and keep in mind that the technique (e.g., two-needle, Continental, or English) can influence your tension. With practice, your swatch will become closer to the pattern, and you'll enjoy more thoughtful and precise knitting.

Knit with materials that inspire you

Discover Idealium yarns and our knitting patterns . Choose your next project and enjoy the process.