Swatching for Crochet: Unlock Your Superpower with Jane
Swatching is the key to confident crochet. In this workshop, you’ll learn ways to properly crochet swatches, plus measure & interpret what your swatch is telling you.
ⓘ
Swatch It Like You Mean It: Unlocking the Power of Crochet Swatching
Frustrated by projects that turn out too big, too small, or just… not quite right? Swatching is the secret weapon of confident crocheters, yet it's often overlooked. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to swatch with purpose, so you can tackle any pattern with ease. Whether you're gearing up for your next big project or simply want to understand your yarn better, this class is packed with practical tips to set you up for success.
What You’ll Learn:
- Swatching 101: How to create a swatch properly—what size, which stitch pattern, whether to work flat or in the round, and why it all matters. Plus, learn the clever shortcut for swatching in the round without the hassle!
- Gauge Like a Pro: The right way to measure your swatch—before and after blocking—to ensure accuracy.
- Decode Your Swatch: Learn to interpret what your swatch is telling you about drape, fabric density, and potential project pitfalls.
- Gauge Math Made Easy: Crack the code of gauge instructions and discover the simple calculations that make the difference between a flawless fit and a crochet disaster.
- Blocking Basics: When, why, and how to block your swatch for the most precise results.
Class Highlights:
- Hands-on swatching practice with your own yarn and pattern—or just yarn if you're still deciding!
- Experiment with different hook sizes to find the perfect gauge.
- Learn what to do when stitch gauge and row gauge don’t match (and when that’s okay!).
- Expert tips on reading and interpreting swatches both before and after blocking.
- Individual guidance and group discussion to make sure all your swatching questions are answered.
Take Your Crochet to the Next Level!
By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel more confident in selecting hooks, yarns, and patterns—especially for garments. Swatching isn’t just an extra step; it’s the key to crochet success!
Info for this Class:
- 2 hours
- Suitable for adventurous beginners and beyond! If you can crochet, you can take this class.
What to Bring:
- Your chosen pattern and yarn—or just yarn if you’re still exploring options.
- A selection of hook sizes, including the recommended size for your pattern plus one larger and one smaller.
- Any swatches you’ve already made (optional).
Your teacher: Jane Downey
Inspired by her grandmother, who would crochet intricate thread tablecloths without even referring to a pattern, Jane learned to crochet as a teen and now has almost 40 years of experience.
Jane is a member of the Crochet Guild of Australia and the Knitters’ Guild of NSW and has been teaching crochet for over 15 years. She teaches adults and children in both open classes and one-on-one classes, from beginner to more advanced techniques. Jane can teach both right and left handed people to crochet, and is often described as a very patient teacher. Jane is accredited to teach crochet by the Crochet Guild of Australia.
Jane has won prizes for her crochet at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, including being twice chosen for display in the Standard of Excellence cabinet. Jane has also judged the crochet at the Sydney Royal (not the same years in which she won prizes!). Jane loves crochet because of the variety of projects it lends itself to. She particularly likes to crochet garments, accessories and toys.
Terms and conditions
- Full payment is required prior to the start of the class to confirm your spot.
- Minimum numbers - All classes require a minimum of three people in order to go ahead and, depending on the class, a maximum of up to 10. If your class or workshop does not have the minimum number of students, the class will be postponed and you will be notified within three days of the class date if it has been cancelled or changed. We cannot be held liable for travel or any other costs in the event of a cancellation.
- If your class is postponed or cancelled you can use the amount paid to transfer to another event/activity, use as a store credit, or be issued a full refund.
Cancelling a class
- Up to 7 days before the class - you are able to cancel, postpone or swap a class up to 7 days prior to the class date and can receive a full refund.
- 7 days-24 hours before the class - we are able to offer a credit but we cannot guarantee a full refund unless another booking fills your spot.
- Less than 24 hours before the class - no credit or refund available.
Please see our general Classes & Workshops FAQ for more info.
Be The First To Review This Product!
Help other Skein Sisters users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.
More infoMake 4 interest-free payments of $16.25 fortnightly and receive your order now.
