Buttonhole Spacing Calculator — Even Button Placement

Measure the total garment length or button band length, subtract the top and bottom margins, then divide the remaining length by (number of buttons minus 1). This gives the centre-to-centre spacing. For example, a 50cm band with 2cm margins and 6 buttons: (50 - 2 - 2) / 5 = 9.2cm between each buttonhole.

A buttonhole should be the diameter of the button plus 1-3mm of ease. Too tight and it will be difficult to fasten; too loose and buttons will pop open. Measure the button diameter at its widest point and add 2mm as a starting point. Adjust based on your yarn thickness and stitch type — thicker yarns need slightly more ease.

Typically 1.5-3cm from each end. The exact distance depends on the garment design and button size. For a neckline with a collar, the top button is often 3-5cm from the edge to allow the collar to fold cleanly. For a simple crew neck, 2cm is standard. The bottom button should be far enough from the hem that it does not pull the band.

Buttonholes are typically centred on the band. For a standard 8-10 row button band, the buttonhole runs horizontally through the centre row or rows. The centre offset value shows how far from the band edge the buttonhole centre falls. This helps when working a one-row buttonhole on a specific knitting row.

Sew buttons onto the button band first (or pin them firmly), then use those positions to place the buttonholes on the opposite band. This ensures alignment. Alternatively, use locking stitch markers to mark buttonhole positions on the wrong side of the buttonhole band while knitting, working the buttonhole on the marked rows.