Increase / Decrease Evenly
Spread increases or decreases evenly across a row or round, for knitting or crochet. You get pattern-style instructions you can follow stitch by stitch.
How do I increase evenly across a row?
Subtract any stitches the increase uses up, divide the rest by the number of increases, and work that many stitches between each one. The calculator does the division and spreads the leftover stitches for you.
How do I space 7 increases across 92 stitches?
In the round: K14, M1 once, then [K13, M1] 6 times, for 99 stitches. Worked flat, the first and last plain stitches are split so no increase sits at the edge.
Is it different for crochet?
Yes. A crochet increase (2 sc in one stitch) uses up a stitch, so there are fewer plain stitches between increases. Choose Crochet and the count is adjusted.
Open the full increase / decrease calculator → · How it works
Yarn Calculator
How much yarn do you need? Pick a project, size and yarn weight for an estimate in yards, metres and skeins.
An estimate for planning and buying. If your pattern lists yardage, use the pattern.
How much yarn for an adult sweater?
About 1,100–1,300 yards of worsted for a medium pullover with plain stitches. Finer yarn needs more length, cables and texture add 15–30%.
Does crochet use more yarn than knitting?
Usually yes, around 25–35% more for the same size piece, because crochet stitches are taller and denser.
Should I buy extra?
Buy at least 10% more, all from the same dye lot. Running short later often means a colour mismatch.
Yardage chart for every project →
Gauge & Cast-On Calculator
Enter the gauge from your swatch and the size you want. Get how many stitches to cast on and how many rows to work.
How do I turn gauge into a cast-on number?
Divide your stitch gauge by 4 (or 10 for cm) to get stitches per inch, then multiply by the width you want.
Should I block my swatch?
Yes. Wash and dry the swatch the way you will treat the finished piece. Many yarns grow or shrink when wet.
What is a stitch multiple?
Patterns like ribbing or lace repeat over a set number of stitches. A "multiple of 4 + 2" means any number like 18, 22 or 26.
Needle & Hook Size Converter
Convert knitting needle and crochet hook sizes between US, UK and metric, and see which yarn weights each size suits.
Tip: millimetres are printed on most needles and hooks and are the most reliable size.
What size is a US 8 needle?
A US 8 knitting needle is 5 mm, which is a UK 6. It suits worsted and aran yarn.
What is the difference between UK and US sizes?
Old UK sizes count down as needles get thicker (UK 14 is 2 mm, UK 0 is 8 mm). US sizes count up. Millimetres are the safest way to compare.
What size is an H hook?
An H-8 crochet hook is 5 mm, a common size for worsted-weight amigurumi and blankets.
Needle size chart · Hook size chart
Yarn Weight Chart
Tap a yarn weight to see its other names, gauge, needle and hook sizes and typical length per 100 g. Based on the Craft Yarn Council standard.
Lengths per 100 g are typical for wool; cotton and other dense fibres run shorter.
Is DK the same as 8 ply?
Yes. DK (double knitting) is called 8 ply in Australia and New Zealand and sits in category 3 (Light).
Is aran the same as worsted?
Both are category 4 (Medium). Aran is slightly thicker, so check gauge before you substitute.
What does 4 ply mean?
In the UK and Australia, 4 ply means fingering weight (category 1). It no longer refers to the actual number of strands.
Quilt Size & Backing Calculator
Find the finished quilt size for your bed, then the backing, batting and binding fabric you need.
Backing and batting include 4 in extra on each side for quilting.
What size quilt do I need for a queen bed?
With a 12 in drop on the sides and foot plus a 10 in pillow tuck, a queen quilt is about 84 × 102 in.
How much bigger should the backing be?
Most longarm quilters ask for 4 in extra on every side, so the backing is 8 in wider and 8 in longer than the top.
How much binding do I need?
Measure around the quilt, add about 12 in for corners and joining, then divide by the usable width of your fabric to get the number of 2½ in strips.