Gauge Swatch Question (for prepster)

[padray]

Okay, so I really wanna make the prepster (from Happy Hooker)!  I love that sweater/cardigan!!  I've got my yarn, and I want to test my gauge, like a good little hooker...

I've never made clothing from a pattern before, just sort of measured, and ran with it.  So when I test my gauge, do I use my yarn (already purchased!) and just do sc, or do I work in the pattern for the prepster?  And if I do work in the pattern, which part of it--the back? 

Just wanted to clear that up before I get started.  I don't want to get really far into it and realize my gauge is whack. (Yep I said whack. )

[DisneyFan]

You do your swatch in the pattern that's used for the prepster.  That is what the gauge that is listed with the pattern goes with.  All you need to do is a 4" by 4" square.  Do the amount of stitches and rows that is told in the gauge and you should (cross fingers) get the right size square. 

[padray]

Thank you!

[Thesingingllamas]

I do a few more stitches than what is suggested because it is easier to measure. Work in the pattern, with the sc row, dc row. If your guage isn't coming out right try moving up or down a hook size.

[canarysanctuary]

Just a quick note:  this is a great pattern that I was somehow able to pull off without checking gauge    Verrry bad form ... but, lucky for me it ended up being, in the words of Bob Ross, a "happy accident".  I am never able to choose which size I should go with, and so if I hadn't chosen the one-size up, and used the smaller-than-called for yarn, then I would have been a rather un-happy hooker indeed!