the "fake round swatch"

[pamelamama]

not a link, but something helpful thanks to BethyM99:

Fake Round Swatching

Cast on your stitches Knit across one row
Do not turn... instead slide the stitches back to the right and knit across again
You will have a length of yarn across the back, this is what you want. Leave enough length that you don't get any pulling especially if you want to measure and pull out and use the yarn. If you don't want to pull your swatch out, you can cut the ends and pretty it up to get a good solid measurement.

Another way to look at it...
If you have ever knit an icord (on needles)... that is basically what a "fake round" swatch is. Essentially, we are knitting a large icord... only we aren't pulling the yarn in the back tight.

any links on this technique?

[JustLookin]

LOL, thats what I do when I do a swatch, LOL

[amyrobynne]

That's such a great idea! I usually chicken out and just do one row knit one row purl when I ought to do round swatches. I'd feel less guilty using that approach.

[ravingcutie]

Thanks for the info, Beth/Pam. It's a nice addition to the techniques. I use it if I'm thinking and manage to remember! Ha!

[averymybaby]

this is cool, very cool. :nod

[SinKnitty]

uh "duh" *smacks forhead why d:bangidn't I ever think of this? Thanks! :bang