YarnCalculator
Getting started

Cast on calculator

Enter the width you want and your gauge, and get the cast-on, rounded to your stitch pattern. Add negative ease for snug things like hats and cuffs, positive for loose ones.

Enter the width and your gauge to see how many to cast on.

How to use it

  1. Measure the width or circumference you want the piece to be.
  2. Enter your gauge from a washed swatch, and any ease: -10% is usual for hats and socks.
  3. If your pattern is a multiple (2x2 rib is a multiple of 4), enter it so the count works.

Questions

How do I calculate how many stitches to cast on?

Multiply the width by your stitches per inch. A 20 inch piece at 5 stitches per inch needs 100 stitches. Then round to your pattern's multiple.

What is ease?

Ease is the difference between the piece and the body. Negative ease (smaller than the body) makes stretchy things like hats, socks and ribbing fit snugly. Positive ease makes them roomy.

Why round to a multiple?

Stitch patterns repeat. 2x2 rib in the round needs a multiple of 4, so 98 stitches won't work but 96 or 100 will.

Try our yarn calculators

More tools