Turn a measured swatch into a plan for your next scarf, blanket body or rectangular panel. Calculate stitches and rows, fit a stitch repeat, and see how rounding changes the size.
First time with a hook? Follow the six-step beginner coach. Practise the basic stitches before measuring a swatch.
Your next project, in numbers.
A rectangle measured from your own gauge.
Matches the example target before borders.
- Your stitch gauge
- 1.4 stitches / cm
- Your row gauge
- 1 row / cm
- Before rounding
- 112 stitches · 100 rows
- Repeat adjustment
- Whole stitches; no extra edges
This is a body stitch count. Use your pattern's instructions for the foundation chain, turning chains, shaping and borders.
Example ready. Enter your measurements to make your own plan.
From your swatch to your project
- Make and measure a swatch. Use the yarn, hook and stitch pattern for your project. Finish the swatch as your pattern directs, then measure a representative area and count stitches across it and rows up it.
- Enter your target body size. Use one unit throughout. Changing the unit selector converts the entered lengths; it does not change the stitch or row counts.
- Adjust a worked-row repeat if needed. Enter the number of stitches in one repeat and any extra edge stitches across the whole row. Choose the closest width, a width at least as large, or one no wider than your target.
- Calculate, then keep your plan. Check the estimated dimensions before printing or downloading the text notes. Measure the actual fabric again as the project grows.
The Craft Yarn Council’s crochet gauge guide (PDF) explains why a swatch should use the project’s specified materials and stitch pattern. For help counting the sample, see how to count crochet stitches.
A simple example
Suppose you count 14 stitches across 10 cm and 10 rows over 10 cm. An 80 × 100 cm rectangular body needs approximately 112 stitches and 100 rows, before a border. These are demonstration measurements, not a recommended blanket size or a complete pattern.
If the worked row must be a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1, the nearest valid count is 115 stitches. That is 19 repeats × 6 + 1. The estimated width becomes 82.14 cm. Choosing “No wider than my target” gives 109 stitches and approximately 77.86 cm instead.
The calculation, explained
Stitches across = target width × swatch stitches ÷ measured swatch width.
Rows high = target height × swatch rows ÷ measured swatch height.
The tool then chooses a whole number of stitches that fits your repeat: complete repeats × stitches per repeat + total extra edge stitches. At least one repeat is required. With the closest-width option, a tie goes to the larger count. Rows round to the nearest whole row, with a minimum of one; a half-row tie rounds up.
Estimated width is the final stitch count divided by your stitch gauge. Estimated height uses the final row count and row gauge. The tool shows the difference from your target so you can decide whether that change is acceptable.
Before you start crocheting
Is the stitch result my starting-chain count?
No. It is the number of worked stitches across the body. Starting chains, skipped chains and turning chains depend on the stitch pattern. Use the designer’s foundation instructions with the turning-chain guide and stitch-multiples guide if needed.
Can I use a repeat written in the starting-chain instructions?
Only if you have checked that it also describes the worked-row stitch count. Chain spaces, skipped chains and edge stitches can change the relationship. The calculator cannot infer that relationship from a pattern.
What about borders, shaping and row repeats?
Plan the rectangular body separately from a border. This calculator does not resize shaped garments, circles or diagonal crochet, and it does not add shaping instructions. If the stitch pattern repeats across several rows, adjust the row total to the correct finishing point in the pattern.
Will these numbers guarantee the finished size?
No. They estimate the body using the gauge you enter. Tension, finishing, edge stitches and changes in the fabric can affect the result. For a fitted item, follow the designer’s sizing and gauge requirements. Check the actual dimensions as you work.
Are my measurements saved?
No. The calculator uses the measurements in this page and does not send them to a server or store them for your next visit. Download the text plan or print it before closing or reloading the page.