Pattern gauge converter

Sometimes you like your fabric, or you are using a different yarn, and would rather change the numbers than the hook. This calculator rescales a pattern's stitch and row counts to your gauge so the piece still comes out the pattern's size, and fits the new stitch count to the stitch repeat. It is the opposite of the gauge difference calculator, which keeps the pattern's counts and tells you how the size changes.

How to use the calculator

1. Make and block a swatch in your yarn and stitch pattern, and measure it over 4 in (10 cm).
2. Enter the stitches in one row of the pattern, not the starting chain, and optionally the number of rows.
3. Enter the pattern's gauge and your gauge over 4 in (10 cm).
4. If the stitch pattern works over a repeat, such as "multiple of 6 plus 2", enter 6 and 2. The form starts with 6 and 2 as an example: for plain rows, set Multiple of to 1 and Plus to 0.
5. Use the closest count, or the narrower or wider option if you prefer.

How the calculator works

The pattern's stitches divided by its gauge give the width it makes. Multiplying that width by your gauge gives your count, which comes to:

Your stitches = pattern stitches × your stitch gauge ÷ pattern stitch gauge

Both gauges are measured over the same 4 in or 10 cm, so the window cancels out. The count is then fitted to the repeat: take off the extra stitches, divide by the multiple, round to whole repeats, and add the extra back.

Repeats = (your stitches − plus) ÷ multiple, rounded

Count that fits = multiple × repeats + plus

When there is a repeat, a table shows the narrower, closest and wider counts that fit, with the number of repeats and the width each one makes at your gauge. Rows are rescaled the same way with row gauge and rounded to the nearest whole row.

Reading your results

• Stitches at your gauge: the closest count that fits your repeat. This is a row count; add the turning chain for your starting chain, or use the foundation chain calculator.
• Width the pattern makes: the size you are matching. Compare it with the widths of the narrower and wider options.
• Rows at your gauge: if the pattern has a row repeat, such as a 4-row stripe, round this to whole repeats yourself.

Worked example

A blanket pattern calls for 150 stitches and 120 rows at 12 stitches and 8 rows per 4 in, with a shell stitch worked over a multiple of 6 plus 2. It is 150 ÷ 3 = 50 in wide. You want to use a finer yarn that gives 16 stitches and 10 rows per 4 in.

• Stitches: 150 × 16 ÷ 12 = 200.
• Repeat: (200 − 2) ÷ 6 = 33 repeats exactly, so 6 × 33 + 2 = 200 stitches fits. At 4 stitches per inch that is 50 in.
• Rows: 120 × 10 ÷ 8 = 150.

If your swatch had 15 stitches instead, 150 × 15 ÷ 12 = 187.5 stitches, or 30.9 repeats. The table offers 182 stitches (30 repeats, 48.53 in) or 188 stitches (31 repeats, 50.13 in).

Accuracy and limits

• The arithmetic is exact and covered by our automated tests. The outside size matches the pattern.
• If your gauge is more than 40% away from the pattern's, the calculator warns you: the counts still match the size, but the fabric's thickness and drape will be quite different.
• Rescaling suits flat pieces such as blankets, scarves and drop-shoulder panels. For a shaped garment, following the pattern size whose finished measurements are nearest yours is usually safer than rescaling every shaping row.
• Finer yarn at a tighter gauge usually needs more length for the same size. Check with the yarn yardage calculator.

Common mistakes

1. Leaving the sample repeat on. For plain stitches, set the multiple to 1 and plus to 0, or the count is forced to a repeat you do not have.
2. Entering the starting chain. "Chain 152, dc in 4th ch from hook (150 dc)" has 150 stitches in the row. Converting 152 would scale the turning chain too.
3. Using a chain multiple as the stitch multiple. "Chain a multiple of 6 plus 4" often includes the turning chain. Enter the row's own multiple (here 6 plus 2).

Tips for more accurate results

• To find an unstated repeat, count the stitches one repeat between the asterisks works into: that is the multiple. The stitches worked outside the repeat, at both ends of the row, add up to the plus.
• Round the rows to whole row repeats so your piece ends on the right pattern row.

Frequently asked questions