Knitting Pattern Repeat Calculator
Adapting a knitting pattern to a different yarn or gauge? Enter the original gauge, your new gauge, the original stitch count, and the pattern repeat size - get the new stitch count rounded to the nearest valid repeat. Nothing uploaded.
Gauge & Pattern Settings
Original gauge (per 10 cm)
Your new gauge (per 10 cm, from swatch)
Original pattern numbers
Pattern repeat
New Pattern Numbers
Learn more: knitting pattern repeats and gauge conversion
Understanding gauge in knitting - stitches and rows per unit
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in a 10cm swatch of knitted fabric at a specific yarn and needle combination. Two different yarn weights (or the same yarn on different needle sizes) produce different gauges. A bulky yarn might give 12 stitches per 10cm, while a fine yarn gives 24. When you switch yarns for a pattern, your gauge changes, and so does the finished size of the garment - unless you adjust the stitch count.
How to adjust stitch counts for gauge changes - the core math
Start by dividing the original pattern's cast-on stitch count by the original gauge (stitches per 10cm) to find the desired finished width in 10cm units. Then multiply by your new gauge to get a raw stitch count for your yarn. For example: 120 stitches at 20 st/10cm = 60cm wide. At a new gauge of 18 st/10cm, you need 108 raw stitches. But knitting patterns repeat in multiples - a 6-stitch cable repeat needs the stitch count to be divisible by 6 (plus any selvedge stitches), so 108 rounds to 108 (divisible by 6) or 102/114 depending on your repeat.
Pattern repeats and why rounding matters - keeping the pattern symmetrical
Stitch patterns repeat in fixed units: a 6-stitch lace motif, a 4-stitch rib, or an 8-stitch cable. If your raw calculation gives you 83 stitches and your repeat is 6, you cannot knit an even pattern across the row - you'll have a fractional repeat at one side, producing an ugly broken motif. Always round to the nearest valid multiple (the lower and upper valid options appear in the calculator). This ensures the pattern stays symmetrical and visually clean across the entire garment.
FAQ
Do I use the lower or upper stitch count?
Lower gives a slightly smaller, more fitted item; upper gives slightly more ease and room. If the original pattern was knitted to the maximum stated ease (generously sized), choose lower. If the pattern was tight-fitting, choose upper. The size difference is shown as a percentage so you can decide.
What about row count - do I need to adjust that too?
Yes. Gauge affects rows as well as stitches. If your row gauge is different from the original, the garment will be a different length for the same row count. Use the adjusted row count from the calculator to get the correct finished length.
Can I use this for crochet?
Absolutely. The same gauge conversion math applies to crochet. Measure your tension square in stitches per 10cm, enter those values, and use the chain count per repeat as your repeat size.