Calculators – work out your knitting

Calculators

The numbers you need before, during and after knitting. Type in what you know and the page works out the rest.

What do you want to do?

I want to make the garment longer or shorter I am substituting yarn I am between two sizes My gauge is off I am planning stripes How much yarn do I need?

Before you start

Size guideEnter your chest measurement and get your size.GaugeCount your swatch and see whether you need a different needle.Yarn calculatorNumber of balls when you switch to a different yarn.

Along the way

Changing length and widthLonger sleeve or a wider body? Work it out here.Raglan increasesHow often to increase from the neck down to the split.Stripe plannerSee the stripes on the sweater before you knit them.Row counterCount your rounds on your phone while you knit.

To print

Cheat sheetAbbreviations, needles and calculations on one sheet.Printable sheetsRow counter, swatch and project log on A4.

More calculators on strikk.app

The CosyMonday toolbox on strikk.app has even more calculators, sorted by what you want to do. The links open in a new tab.

Yarn and quantityYarn quantity and substitution for more types of garment.Measurements and sizeThe right size for socks and mittens.Increasing and decreasingCrown decreases on hats, armholes, necklines and shawls.Colours and patternsSpread colours and pattern repeats across the stitches.FinishingButtonholes, pompoms and blocking.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my measurements off when I follow the pattern?

Usually your gauge is different from the pattern's. Count the stitches on your swatch and enter them in the gauge calculator to see whether you need a different needle.

Can I use a different yarn from the one in the pattern?

Yes. Compare the yardage, meaning how many metres there are in the ball, and work out the number of balls in the yarn calculator. Knit a swatch with the new yarn before you start.

I am between two sizes. Which one should I choose?

Choose the larger one if you want the sweater wide, and the smaller one if you want it closer. The size guide finds your size from your chest measurement.

Can I make the sweater longer without changing the rest?

Yes. Change the length where the body is knitted straight, without increases or decreases. Changing length and width converts centimetres into rounds.

Do I have to enter my gauge every time?

No. The calculators remember the gauge you entered last time, in the browser on the device you are using. If you are knitting something else, just enter the new numbers.