Knitting Button Spacing Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate even button and buttonhole placement for cardigans and coats. Set top and bottom margins, enter your row gauge, and get exact row numbers for each buttonhole.
Knitting Button Spacing Calculator
KnittingCalculate even button and buttonhole placement for cardigans
Button Band Details
Margins
Gauge & Button Size
Related Calculators
What is a Button Spacing Calculator?
A Button Spacing Calculator determines the exact placement of buttons and buttonholes on knitted cardigans, coats, and other buttoned garments. Enter your band length, number of buttons, and gauge to get row-by-row placement.
Evenly spaced buttons are essential for a professional-looking cardigan. Uneven spacing creates a sloppy appearance and can cause gaping or pulling. This calculator does the division and converts inches to rows.
Button Spacing Fundamentals
Edge Margins: Set top and bottom buttons first, then divide the middle evenly
Row Conversion: Spacing in inches × row gauge = rows between buttonholes
Bust Alignment: Always include a button at the bust line to prevent gaping
Buttonhole Sizing: Slightly smaller than the button — fabric stretches with use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I space buttons evenly on a cardigan?
Measure the button band length, decide how many buttons you want, then divide the band length by (buttons + 1) for equal spacing at top and bottom. Or place the top and bottom buttons first, then divide the remaining distance evenly.
How many buttons does a cardigan need?
A standard women's cardigan uses 5-7 buttons. Children's cardigans use 3-5. Men's cardigans typically use 5-6. Longer cardigans or coats may need 7-9. The exact number depends on the garment length and button size.
Where should the top and bottom buttons go?
The top button is typically placed 0.5-1 inch below the neckband. The bottom button sits 1-2 inches above the hem. For women's cardigans, place a button at the bust line to prevent gaping. Fill in remaining buttons evenly between.
What size buttonhole do I need?
The buttonhole should be slightly smaller than the button diameter — buttons stretch the hole over time. For a 3/4 inch button, make a 5/8 inch buttonhole. A standard 2-stitch buttonhole works for most medium buttons.
How do I convert button spacing to rows?
Multiply the spacing in inches by your row gauge. If buttons are 3.5 inches apart and your gauge is 7 rows/inch, place buttonholes every 24-25 rows. Adjust to land on right-side rows if working flat.
Should buttonholes be on the right or left?
Traditionally, women's garments have buttonholes on the right side and buttons on the left. Men's garments are the opposite. However, use whichever side feels natural — many modern patterns don't follow this convention.
How do I prevent button bands from stretching?
Pick up stitches at a ratio slightly tighter than your gauge (e.g., 3 stitches for every 4 rows). Use a needle one size smaller than the body. Slip the first stitch of every row. Consider adding grosgrain ribbon behind the band.
What if my spacing doesn't work out to whole rows?
Round to the nearest whole number of rows. If you need 24.5 rows between buttons, alternate between 24 and 25 rows. The difference is invisible in the finished garment. Prioritize even visual spacing over mathematical precision.
Sources and References
- The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
- Knitting in Plain English by Maggie Righetti
- Craft Yarn Council, garment construction guidelines