Increase or decrease evenly calculator
Enter how many stitches you have and how many to add or remove. You get a written instruction you can follow stitch by stitch.
–
Abbreviations
- K5 — knit 5 stitches.
- M1 — make one stitch (or any single increase).
- K2tog — knit two together (or any single decrease).
- (K7, M1) × 2 — work what is in the brackets twice.
Frequently asked questions
What does “increase evenly across the row” mean?
The pattern wants you to add stitches spread out over the whole row instead of bunched in one place. The calculator splits your stitches into equal groups and puts one increase between each group.
Why is flat knitting different from knitting in the round?
On a flat row the calculator keeps plain stitches at both edges so the increases stay away from the selvage and the row is symmetrical. In the round there is no edge, so every group ends with the shaping stitch.
Which increase or decrease should I use?
The instructions say M1 (make one) and K2tog (knit two together) because they are the most common. You can use any single increase, such as kfb or a yarn over, or any single decrease, such as ssk.
Does this work for crochet?
Yes. Read “K” as single crochets (or your stitch), “M1” as two stitches in one stitch, and “K2tog” as a decrease (sc2tog).
More calculators
- Quilt backing calculatorYardage, panels and seam direction for the quilt back.
- Quilt binding and border calculatorStrips and yardage for binding and borders.
- Quilt size calculatorFinished quilt size for any bed, drop and pillow tuck.
- Quilt batting calculatorBatting size and which package fits.
- Quilt block calculatorHow many blocks or squares, with or without sashing.
- Half square triangle (HST) calculatorCut sizes and square counts for 2, 4 and 8 at a time.
- Fat quarter and fabric cutting calculatorSquares per fat quarter or yard, and how many to buy.
- Printable hexagon templateHexagon sheets for EPP at true size, with seam allowance.
- Printable applique templatesHearts, stars, flowers and more, printed at any size.
- Quilt label templateType your label, preview it and print at true size.
- How much yarn do I need?Yardage and skeins by project and yarn weight.
- Gauge and yarn amount calculatorConvert a pattern to your gauge and count skeins.
- How many stitches to cast onStitches to cast on for any width and gauge.
- Picking up stitches calculatorEven pick-up instructions for edges and bands.
- Temperature blanket plannerTemperature ranges, a colour for each and a printable chart.
- Row counterTap to count rows; remembers where you were.
- Crochet blanket sizes and starting chainBlanket size chart and how many chains to start with.
- Yarn grams to length calculatorGrams to metres or yards (and back) from the label.
- Amigurumi ball (sphere) calculatorRound-by-round crochet ball pattern for the size you want.
- Cross stitch fabric calculatorFinished design size and fabric to cut for any count.
- Pattern from imageTurn a photo into a stitch chart with a colour legend.
- Embroidery floss calculatorHow many skeins of floss per colour, from the stitch count.
- Quilt and craft pricing calculatorMaterials, time and longarm cost into a fair selling price.
- Macrame cord calculatorCord length per strand and in total for wall hangings, plant hangers and bags.