This is less tutorial and more Tip. The same colorway in 2 different fibers can look quite different! You might want to use different gauges, needles, needle materials or even stitch patterns.

For this tip, we’ll work up each swatch in the same stitch and gauge.

Materials

At least 2 yarns in the same colorway but different fibers or thicknesses. I used SweetGeorgia Superwash DK and Silk Mist in the Dreamboat colorway.

It’s really quite simple! We’ve worked up both a Knit and Crochet version just to show you both.

Crochet Swatch

You’ll be creating a swatch of DC’s.

Ch 15.

Row 1: Starting in the 3rd chain from the hook, DC in each chain across.

Row 2: DC across.

Repeat Row 2 for approx. 5 more rows.

Create a swatch using the other yarn(s).

Knit Swatch

You’ll be creating a swatch with 4 rows of garter stitch at both the top and bottom and 16 rows of stockinette stitch in between them. I HIGHLY recommend that you don’t do garter stitch edges on each side of the swatch (the part where you’re knitting the 16 rows of stockinette). We have an entire article on successfully-knit swatches and you may want to read that too.

CO 19.

Row 1: Knit across.

Rows 2-4: Repeat Row 1.

Row 5: Knit across.

Row 6: Purl across.

Rows 7-22: Repeat Rows 5 and 6.

Rows 23-26: Repeat Row 1 and 2

BO

Create a swatch using the other yarn(s).

See all our swatches!

Just Superwash DK

Just Silk Mist

Both Held Together

Attention Knitters and Crocheters

I find it interesting that even though I used the same hook size for all three swatches, the one with both yarns held together worked up bigger! That means that even though I used the same size, the swatch got bigger because the yarn was thicker.

This is an important lesson for everyone to take from this. The hook/needle size won’t exclusively create a single gauge.

Once you’re Done

Marvel at how different the swatches appear. Even think about how a larger hook/needle could change that even further.