Knitting Increase/Decrease Spacing Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate even spacing for increases and decreases in your knitting. Enter your current and target stitch counts to get exact instructions for distributing shaping across a row or over multiple rows.
Knitting Increase/Decrease Spacing Calculator
KnittingCalculate even spacing for shaping across rows or over multiple rows
Stitch Counts
Target greater than current = increases. Target less than current = decreases.
Shaping Method
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What is an Increase/Decrease Spacing Calculator?
An Increase/Decrease Spacing Calculator helps knitters evenly distribute shaping across a row or over multiple rows. Enter your current stitch count, target count, and available rows to get exact spacing instructions.
Even spacing is essential for professional-looking knitting. Unevenly placed increases or decreases create visible bumps and distortions. This calculator does the math so your shaping looks seamless.
Understanding Shaping Math
Across a Row: Stitches ÷ number of changes = spacing between each
Over Multiple Rows: Available rows ÷ number of change rows = row interval
Remainder Handling: When math doesn't divide evenly, alternate spacing
Paired Shaping: Each shaping row adds/removes 2 stitches (one per side)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I evenly space increases across a row?
Divide total stitches by the number of increases. For example, with 100 stitches and 10 increases: knit every 10th stitch then increase. If it doesn't divide evenly, alternate spacing (e.g., 'increase every 9 and 10 stitches').
How do I evenly space decreases across a row?
Similar to increases: divide current stitch count by the number of decreases. For 120 stitches with 12 decreases: work a decrease every 10 stitches. Each decrease removes one stitch, so plan accordingly.
What if the math doesn't divide evenly?
Use alternating spacing. If you need 7 increases over 50 stitches (50÷7 = 7.14), alternate between spacing of 7 and 8 stitches. The calculator handles this automatically, distributing the remainder evenly.
When do I need to space increases or decreases?
Common situations: transitioning from ribbing to body (increases), shaping a sleeve taper (increases), crown of a hat (decreases), waist shaping on a sweater (decreases then increases), and raglan shaping.
Should increases/decreases be at the beginning of the row?
It depends on the context. For evenly spaced shaping across a row, distribute them evenly. For raglan or sleeve shaping, they're typically at specific points (beginning, end, or at markers). Follow your pattern's instructions.
How do I calculate increases from ribbing to stockinette?
Ribbing pulls in more than stockinette. When transitioning, add 5-10% more stitches. For example, if ribbing has 90 stitches and you want 100 for the body, you need 10 evenly spaced increases across the first stockinette row.
How do I space increases over multiple rows?
Divide total rows available by the number of increase rows needed. For 20 increases over 60 rows: increase every 3rd row. If it doesn't divide evenly, alternate (e.g., 'increase every 3rd and 4th row').
What's the difference between paired and single increases?
Paired increases add stitches on both sides (like sleeve shaping: +1 each side = +2 per increase row). Single increases add one stitch at a specific point. Make sure you're calculating the right type for your pattern.
Sources and References
- The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
- Knitting in Plain English by Maggie Righetti
- Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt