Subscribe to our newsletter. That teeny half stitch per inch ends up making a huge difference to the overall size of a sweater. Knit the swatch in the pattern that you plan to use.
Some patterns pull in while others are loose and lacy.
If you knit the swatch in stockinette, chances are the gauge will not be correct. I know you want to get through this, but don't skimp on the size of the swatch either. It must be big enough to give you a realistic measure of the gauge. Some patterns won't begin to pull in or out until you've knit for a few inches. Begin and end each row with four seed stitches as well.