Pattern Maths Calculators
Scale patterns, calculate sizing percentages, plan custom designs, and work out stitch counts for wraps, bobbles, pleats, and ruching.
Pattern Scaling Calculator
Scale a pattern up or down to a different gauge or yarn weight.
Multiple Sizing Calculator
Calculate stitch counts for multiple sizes from a base pattern.
Percentage System Calculator
Calculate garment proportions using the Elizabeth Zimmermann percentage system.
EPS Calculator
Calculate all measurements from a single chest circumference using EPS.
Custom Pattern Calculator
Calculate stitch and row counts for custom pattern dimensions.
Wrap Calculator
Calculate dimensions and yarn for rectangular wraps and stoles.
Yarn Over Calculator
Calculate yarn over placement for eyelet and lace patterns.
Bobble Calculator
Calculate yarn usage and placement for bobble stitch patterns.
Pleat Calculator
Calculate extra stitches needed for knitted pleats.
Ruching Calculator
Calculate extra stitches and rows for gathered or ruched fabric.
10 free calculators in Pattern Maths
The Mathematics Behind Knitting Patterns
Pattern design is fundamentally mathematical. Every garment can be described as a set of dimensions translated into stitch counts through gauge. Understanding the maths behind patterns empowers you to modify, scale, and design your own knitwear.
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Percentage System (EPS) is a brilliant simplification: all measurements of a pullover can be derived as percentages of the chest circumference. The body is 100%, the upper arm is 33%, the cross-shoulder width is 40%, and the neck opening is 40% divided into front and back. Our EPS calculator generates all the measurements and stitch counts from a single chest measurement.
Scaling a pattern to a different gauge or yarn weight requires recalculating every stitch count and row count. The basic formula is: new stitches = (original stitches / original gauge) x new gauge. But you also need to adjust for pattern repeats, shaping rates, and ease. Our pattern scaling calculator handles all of these adjustments.
Texture stitches like bobbles, pleats, and ruching all require extra yarn and affect the fabric dimensions. A bobble uses approximately 4-5 times the yarn of a plain stitch. Pleats require three times the stitches for the pleated section. Ruching alternates between sections of many rows with few stitches and sections of few rows with many stitches.