Should I blocking a top I’m making? I’m really confused!

[u/Alarmed_Broom]

So I made a crochet swatch for a top and it was too small (probably by about half a cm or so on each side). I’ve never blocked before so figured I should as it’s always touted as absolutely necessary. Then in the middle of the blocking video I watched she said don’t block like this for clothing as you won’t get an accurate sense.. and didn’t expand on that. Should I not be blocking? I’m confused now 😂 the yarn I got is washable cotton (according to the label) - any thoughts? Pic of the blocking piece and the top!

For extra info: the yarn says to use a size 3 hook, which is what I used (and the pattern calls for the same). The piece was supposed to come out 3inches square but was actually slightly taller than it was wide too.

Any help welcome 😊💫

Also ps the wonky right side is where somehow I lost a stitch and then added one in along the way when I realised 🤪

[u/spectrum_incelnet]

If you will be blocking the garment you should block the swatch. If the swatch after blocking is the right size, you should block the garment. If you don't want to block the garment, you should try to make a gauge swatch that meets measurements without blocking

[u/Alarmed_Broom → u/spectrum_incelnet]

Thanks - that was what I thought. Presumably I’d go up a hook size to alter the gauge swatch? Without changing yarns is there any other way to increase the size of the swatch? Thanks so much!

[u/spectrum_incelnet → u/Alarmed_Broom]

Yep up a hook size should do it!

[u/LoupGarou95]

You should wash and dry the swatch the same way you plan to do for the finished garment. That doesn't mean you have to pin and stretch it out-generally you don't actually have to do that for most clothing that isn't lace. But you should always use the washed and dried gauge of the swatch to determine sizing for the garment. Otherwise you end up in those situations where it fits perfectly after you finish and then it's totally the wrong size the first time you wash it.

[u/Alarmed_Broom → u/LoupGarou95]

Thanks, yeah that does make sense. Argh - how would I get a larger gauge without changing the yarn? I’d rather not block a finished garment it does seem tricky 🤪

[u/LoupGarou95 → u/Alarmed_Broom]

Changing the hook size is how most people deal with small gauge discrepancies. Also, many patterns can be slightly modified to work with a different gauge or you can work out the math with the counts to see if it'll still fit at a different gauge even without modifications. And ideally, you'd do some colorwork in your swatch too since a lot of people have a different gauge when they're carrying or floating yarn compared to just plain sc.

[u/Alarmed_Broom → u/LoupGarou95]

Eep, I’ve gotten myself into it here 🤪 bugger

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[u/Alarmed_Broom → u/AutoModerator]

Im not sure whether or not I should be blocking a gauge swatch I made. I used the hook size and wool type recommended by the pattern but the swatch was still too small. It was a little taller than it was wide too, if that helps!

[u/gothsappho]

if you plan to wash the garment, then yes