How to space increases or decreases evenly
Patterns often say "increase 8 stitches evenly across the row" without telling you where. The trick is to divide your stitches into equal sections and shape once per section.
Increasing (knitting, M1)
gap = current stitches ÷ (increases + 1) — flat
gap = current stitches ÷ increases — in the round
Example: 60 stitches, increase 8 worked flat. 60 ÷ 9 = 6.67, so some gaps are 7 stitches and some are 6. The calculator gives you the exact mix: [K7, M1] 6 times, [K6, M1] 2 times, K6 → 68 stitches.
Decreasing (K2tog / sc2tog)
section = current stitches ÷ decreases (each section ends with a decrease that uses 2 stitches)
Example: 60 stitches, decrease to 52 in the round. 60 ÷ 8 = 7.5, so you work sections of 8 and 7 stitches: [K6, K2tog] 4 times, [K5, K2tog] 4 times → 52 stitches.
"Easy to follow" vs "most even"
When the stitches don't divide exactly, some sections must be one stitch longer. Easy to follow groups the longer sections together, so you only have to remember two repeats. Most even mixes long and short sections across the row. On a sweater or hat, the difference is invisible after blocking — pick the one you find easier.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| K7 | Knit 7 stitches |
| M1 | Make one: pick up the bar between stitches and knit into it (+1 stitch) |
| K2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (−1 stitch) |
| sc5 | Single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches |
| inc | 2 single crochet in the next stitch (+1 stitch) |
| dec | Single crochet 2 together, sc2tog (−1 stitch) |
| [ ] 4 times | Repeat the instructions in brackets 4 times |
Questions, answered
How do I increase evenly across a row?
Divide your current stitch count by the number of increases plus one (when working flat) to find the gap between increases. For example, to increase 8 stitches over 60 worked flat: 60 ÷ 9 ≈ 6.7, so you work 6 or 7 stitches between each increase. The calculator works out the exact pattern for you.
How do I decrease evenly across a row?
Each decrease (like K2tog or sc2tog) uses two stitches. Divide your stitch count by the number of decreases to find the size of each section, then work the section and decrease at its end. To decrease 8 over 60: 60 ÷ 8 = 7.5, so alternate sections of 7 and 8 stitches, each ending with K2tog.
Why is working flat different from working in the round?
In the round there are no edges, so increases are spaced all the way around. When working flat, the calculator keeps increases and decreases away from the edge stitches so your seams and borders stay neat.
Which increase should I use: M1, KFB or yarn over?
Any single increase works with this calculator. M1 (make one) is nearly invisible and is worked between stitches. KFB (knit front and back) is worked into a stitch, so it counts as one of the knit stitches. A yarn over leaves a small hole, which is useful in lace.
What does "inc" and "dec" mean in crochet?
"inc" means work 2 stitches into the same stitch (adds 1 stitch). "dec" means work 2 stitches together, such as sc2tog (removes 1 stitch). The calculator writes the pattern with single crochet (sc), but you can use any stitch.
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