Importance of Gauge
Consider This
Handy Knit it Now Tools
More Swatching
Green, Yellow, Blue Gauge Rulers

How to Knit Swatches

Choose a stitch pattern, choose a technique and knit a swatch AT LEAST 5" Square.
The larger the swatch, the better! For accuracy, measure in the middle of the swatch and avoid the edges.

Knit a Gauge Swatch in Less than 10 Minutes

Swatching in Pattern Knitting

Swatching on the Double Bed

Get-Acquainted Swatch

Swatching for Cables (shortcut)