Increase & Decrease Assistant

Mastering increases and decreases

Whether you're designing your own garments or following a pattern that requires adjustments, the ability to calculate even intervals is essential. Many find that this is where the mathematics of knitting can become overwhelming.

Why accuracy matters

If you decrease too many stitches at once or spread them unevenly, the garment can lose its shape or get bulges. Even distribution ensures that the garment's balance remains correct and that the result looks professional.

Different ways to increase and decrease

Choice of technique has a big impact on the result. For increases, M1R and M1L (make one right and make one left) are often the neatest options, as they create a seamless transition. For decreases, SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) are the most common methods for getting decreases that lean in either direction.

How to best use the calculator

• Find your total stitch count: Count the stitches you have on the needle now.
• Determine the final count: Check the pattern for how many stitches you should end up with.
• Let the assistant calculate: Enter the numbers and find out exactly how often to increase or decrease.

Our increase and decrease assistant is programmed to find the most symmetrical distribution possible, even when the numbers don't divide perfectly. It will tell you exactly which intervals to use.