Intermediate Knitting & Crochet
The Gauge Swatch: What it is and when it matters
Class Description
Students should already know how to knit or crochet for this course. Knit and crochet patterns always list a recommended gauge, but what exactly is it, why and when is it important, and what do you do if you don’t get the pattern designer’s gauge? In this two-part class, we’ll discuss these and other common gauge-related questions, make our own swatch, compare it to the instructor’s gauge swatch, and discuss adjustments as necessary.
Price
This class is operating on a sliding scale. You may purchase the class at a rate you feel financially comfortable with, up to the maximum class cost of $60. All students will receive the same instruction regardless of payment.
Use the checkout process as-is to pay the full $60 for the class. To adjust the price during checkout, please enter the desired price in the promo code box in a multiple of 20, between $20 and $60, using the format YARN##. For example, to pay $40, enter YARN40 into the promo code box. Please reach out to us if you need assistance.
Available promo codes
YARN20
YARN40
Please only register 1 student per transaction if using discounts.
Dates & Times
This class takes place on Wednesday, February 4th and 11th, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
Materials Required
Students should bring to Class 1 a clean hand towel or kitchen towel and one completed swatch that is at least 4”x4” in size. If knitting, make the swatch in stockinette with a garter stitch border; if crocheting, do the whole square single crochet. The swatch should be a worsted-weight yarn of any fiber type using the size hook or needles recommended on the yarn label. In class 1, yarn will be provided to make a second swatch for Class 2. Instructions will be given about that swatch in Class 1.
About the Instructor - Kristen Hydinger
Kristen Hydinger is the owner of Stitches of Erie, LLC, a local yarn shop located in the Grounded Printshop warehouse that's having its soft opening in November 2025. Kristen has over two decades of experience working within as well as being a customer of fiber artisans and craft yarn shops. Raised by a handweaver and the granddaughter of a quilter and sewist, Kristen spent much of her adolescence attending craftsman’s guild meetings and assisting her mom’s handweaving booth at craft fairs. She also worked for an independent yarn dyer and even sold bookmarks she wove through her mom’s small business as a teenager. She is a member of the Lake Erie Fiber Guild, a pet parent to a dog and a cat, a spouse, and a craft beer enthusiast. Stitches of Erie is on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as well as stitchesoferie.com or via email at stitchesoferie@gmail.com.