pattern stitch?????

[tinypinkbutterfly]

Hi everyone!

 

Could someone please explain to me what a pattern stitch is or what the purpose is of a pattern stitch? Its got me so confused that im not even sure what im asking!!! Oh and one more question ...what is a gauge swatch?????

 

I appreciate the help!

Dee

[Cherri]

The pattern stitch is whatever particular group of stitches are used in the pattern (a shell could be a pattern stitch). A gauge swatch is a small swatch that you crochet to measure your gauge before making the big item. For example, your gauge could say that 2 repeats of pattern stitch = 4 inches. I hope I answered your question.

[tinypinkbutterfly]

wow thanks for the quick reply! Just to make sure i understand you the pattern stitch just for practice and so that you get an idea of what the main pattern throughout the afghan will be????

[Granny Square]

A pattern will often define a pattern stitch at the beginning, like:

Shell: sc, sk 2 st, 5dc in next st, sk 2 st (or whatever)

 

Then, later in the actual pattern, it will say 'make 5 shells' for example, which is easier to type than all the bits that go into the pattern repeat.

 

So, the pattern defines 'pattern stitches' as sort of a shorthand reference in the actual pattern.

 

I hope this makes sense...

[tinypinkbutterfly]

OK i got it now! Thanks so much for your help!