This was a FREE knitting pattern I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics, also available on the Lion Brand website, and Ravelry.  It is an easy beginner’s pattern.

When substituting yarn for projects different than what the project calls for, the Gauge of your pattern determines which weight of yarn you should select. You can use any yarn that has a suggested gauge equal to the gauge of your pattern. Ideally, you’d confirm the match by knitting and blocking a gauge swatch.  Potential substitutes might also be found in other gauge (weight) categories. By increasing and decreasing your needle size, you can alter the gauge and characteristics of the knitted fabric.

If a pattern doesn’t tell you the gauge, it likely will tell you the weight of the yarn, whether its chunky, worsted, or fingering weight. Some patterns that give gauge will also tell you the weight of the yarn, which is handy information to help in your search.

This method works best if the gauge of your pattern is given over stockinette if knitting, or over single crochet if crocheting.

Be sure to swatch and check your gauge carefully, using whatever size hook or needle is needed to obtain the gauge of the pattern. Be sure you are satisfied with the fabric that results; it should be neither too stiff nor too loose.

I have to be honest, I have never knit a swatch to check the gauge in my life.  I do a lot of winging it, making adjustments as I go, making notes for next time.  Sometimes I’m happy with the results, sometimes I’m not.