What is a yarn over in knitting?

A yarn over (YO) is wrapping the yarn around the needle to create a new stitch and an eyelet hole. It adds one stitch to the count. In lace knitting, yarn overs are paired with decreases (k2tog, ssk, or s2kp) to maintain the stitch count while creating a decorative pattern.

Why do I need decreases with yarn overs?

Each yarn over adds one stitch. To keep the stitch count constant, you must pair each YO with a decrease. Common pairings: k2tog leans right, ssk leans left. Using both creates a balanced look. Without decreases, your fabric will widen with each lace row.

What is a central double decrease?

A central double decrease (s2kp or sk2p) removes 2 stitches at once with the centre stitch on top. It is used when a lace pattern has 2 yarn overs flanking a single point. The result is a neat, symmetrical decrease commonly seen in leaf and feather patterns.

How do I handle remainder stitches?

If your total stitch count is not a perfect multiple of the repeat, the remainder stitches sit at the edges. You can work them in stocking stitch, add edge stitches to balance the pattern, or adjust the total stitch count to fit the repeat exactly.

How do yarn overs differ in crochet?

In crochet, a yarn over is part of making taller stitches (treble, double treble, etc.) rather than a separate decorative element. Crochet lace uses chain spaces and skipped stitches to create openwork, not yarn overs in the knitting sense.

KnitCalcs

Yarn Over Calculator — Eyelet and Lace Pattern Placement

Calculate yarn over placement, decrease pairing, and stitch count adjustments for eyelet and lace patterns.

Total Stitches

Stitches on your needle

Pattern Repeat Width

Stitches in one repeat

Yarn Overs per Repeat

Number of YOs in each repeat

Decrease Type

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines how many yarn overs and paired decreases you need across a row for eyelet and lace patterns.

Key concepts

Each YO adds 1 stitch and creates an eyelet hole
Paired decreases (k2tog, ssk) remove 1 stitch each to compensate
Central decreases (s2kp) remove 2 stitches, pairing with 2 YOs
No decreases means the stitch count increases by the number of YOs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

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.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard yarn weights and gauge. Results may vary with individual tension, yarn brand, and needle size.