How it works
Patterns often say "increase 8 stitches evenly across the row" and leave the maths to you. The calculator splits your stitches into equal groups and puts one increase or decrease after each group. If the numbers do not divide exactly, the first groups get one extra stitch.
- Knitting increases use M1 between stitches, like make 1 left.
- Crochet increases put 2 single crochets in one stitch. See crochet increase.
- Decreases use k2tog for knitting and sc2tog for crochet. Each uses up 2 stitches.
- Flat rows keep a few plain stitches at the end so the changes stay away from the edge. In the round there is no edge, so the groups go all the way around.
"[k7, M1] 4 times" means knit 7 then make 1, and do that 4 times in a row.
Questions
How do I increase evenly across a row?
Divide your stitches by the number of increases plus one (for flat rows). Knit that many stitches, make 1, and repeat. The calculator does this for you and handles numbers that do not divide exactly.
What is the difference between flat and in the round?
In flat rows the calculator leaves a group of plain stitches at the end, so no increase sits right on the edge. In the round there is no end, so it uses one group per increase.
Can I use it for crochet?
Yes. Pick Crochet. Increases become 2 single crochets in one stitch, and decreases become sc2tog.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The same calculator is in the app, next to your projects and row counter, and it works offline. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
