How many stitches should I pick up around the neckline?

Pick up approximately 1 stitch per stitch along the bind-off edge and 3 stitches for every 4 rows along shaped edges. A snug neckband typically has about 90% of the calculated full-gauge stitches. Round the total to the ribbing multiple so it joins cleanly in the round: a multiple of 2 for k1p1 (crew, mock) and a multiple of 4 for k2p2 (turtleneck). This calculator does that rounding for you.

How do I prevent a floppy neckband?

Use needles 1-2 sizes smaller than the body for the neckband. Pick up slightly fewer stitches than the full gauge suggests. Ribbing (k1p1 or k2p2) provides natural elasticity that holds the shape.

How do I stop a turtleneck being too tight to get over the head?

The relaxed band must stretch over the head (head circumference is roughly 56cm versus a 38-45cm neck), so a turtleneck is worked at the full neck gauge rather than snugged in. Bind off very loosely - or on a needle one or two sizes larger - so the cast-off edge still slips over the head. Stretchy ribbed cast-offs such as Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind-off work well here.

How tall should a crew neck collar be?

A standard crew neck collar is 2-3cm (about 6-8 rounds of ribbing). A turtleneck is 15-25cm. A mock turtleneck is 5-8cm. A folded polo collar is typically 6-8cm (folds in half).

Should I use circular or straight needles for a collar?

Short circular needles (40cm) or double-pointed needles work best for round necklines. For a cardigan collar worked flat, straight needles are fine. A magic loop technique with a long circular is also an option.

How do I make a neat pick-up edge?

Insert the needle under both loops of each stitch along the edge. Space pick-ups evenly and avoid leaving holes. If you notice holes, pick up one extra stitch on either side and decrease them on the first row.

KnitCalcs

Collar Calculator — Pick-Up Stitches & Collar Shaping

Calculate pick-up stitches and shaping for crew necks, turtlenecks, polo collars, and other collar styles.

Neck Circumference

Measure around the finished neckline

Collar Height

Finished height of collar

Stitch Gauge (per 10cm)

Stitches per 10cm from your gauge swatch

Row Gauge (per 10cm)

Rows per 10cm from your gauge swatch

Collar StyleCrew & mock: k1p1 rib (multiple of 2). Turtleneck: k2p2 rib at full gauge, folds over (multiple of 4). Polo: stockinette, folded and sewn

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the pick-up stitch count and collar dimensions based on neck circumference and collar style.

The formula

Pick-up stitches = Neck circumference x Stitch gauge per cm x pick-up ratio (default 0.9 for a snug crew/mock/polo band; turtleneck uses 1.0 so the relaxed band clears the head)

The result is then rounded to the ribbing multiple: a multiple of 2 for k1p1 (crew, mock) and a multiple of 4 for k2p2 (turtleneck), so the band joins cleanly in the round.

Collar rows = Collar height x Row gauge per cm

For a turtleneck or roll neck, the band has to stretch over the head (head ~56cm vs neck ~38-45cm). Bind off very loosely - or on a needle one or two sizes larger - so the cast-off edge still slips over the head.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.