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doing the math

Knitting and Crochet Calculators

Finding the right formulas for your knitting and crochet projects can be frustrating. Trying to figure out how many balls of wool you need for that cool new pattern while you're in the yarn store can be stressful.

When designing your own pieces, there’s often a lot of math involved to get the sizing just right. Plus, you need to figure out how much yarn you already have and what you still need to buy. It can feel pretty overwhelming.

I've set up calculators for key knitting calculations like wool yardage, even increases, and gauge. On your computer, you can use the left and right arrow keys to adjust the sliders after clicking on them. To make it easy to use, especially on your phone, I've created a simple text menu with clickable links. 

Calculate Your Gauge

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Number of Skeins Needed for a Pattern

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Number of Yards Needed For A Design

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Number of Yards Needed for A Scarf

 

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Number of Yards Needed for A Hat

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Number of Stitches to Cast On

If your project involves ribbing, cables, or other patterns, you may need to adjust the number of stitches to match the pattern repeat. For example, if your pattern repeat is 4 stitches (e.g., k2, p2 ribbing), ensure the total number of stitches is a multiple of 4.

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Even Number of Increases Across a Row

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Even Number of Decreases Across a Row

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Determine How Many Rows You Need

 

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Yardage Needed for a Sweater

Notes on Constructing Sweaters:

  • Ease can be positive (for a looser fit), negative (for a tighter fit), or zero (for a very close fit).
  • Use your finished measurements (body measurement + ease) to select the size in a pattern.
  • If designing your own pattern, ensure that all measurements (length, armhole depth, sleeve circumference) include the desired ease.
  • Ensure your gauge matches the pattern gauge, as differences can affect the finished measurements.
 

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Tapered Sleeve Increases & Decreases

For a tapered sleeve, you should increase 1 stitch at each end of the row (a total of 2 stitches per row) at the specified row intervals.

The formula for tapered sleeve increases it the same for decreases.

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Socks - Circumference & Fit

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Socks - Number of Stitches to Caston

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Socks - Number of Rows for Leg

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Socks - Number of Rows for Foot

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Socks - Heel Flap and Gusset

The heel turn is typically done over half the total number of stitches. The short-row method or the flap and gusset method are common for shaping the heel.

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Socks - Toe Decreases

The heel turn is typically done over half the total number of stitches. The short-row method or the flap and gusset method are common for shaping the heel.

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Join us every Wednesday from 1–3 PM EST for a cozy virtual knitgroup in the Fiberarts Community on GoBrunch!

Drop in to stitch, chat, and connect with fellow fiber artists—no RSVP needed. Grab your yarn!

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From the depths of my wild and wonderful menopausal mind, these are the untamed musings of Artemisnorth.