Maker and DIY Calculators
Even increases and decreases.
Tell it how many stitches you have and how many to add or remove. It splits the row into the most even groups and writes out the repeat.
To decrease k times on n stitches, work (n - 2k) plain stitches in k groups, each followed by one decrease. To lose 12 stitches from 80, work 4, k2tog, 5, k2tog, 5, k2tog, repeated 4 times, to leave 68.
Row or round
Pattern
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
80 stitches, decrease 12. Each decrease (k2tog) uses 2 stitches, so 12 decreases use 24 stitches, leaving 80 - 24 = 56 plain stitches to share among 12 groups. 56 / 12 = 4.67, so groups are 4 or 5 plain stitches: the most even order is 4, 5, 5 repeating. Work (k4, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k5, k2tog) four times: that is 4 x (6 + 7 + 7) = 80 stitches, leaving 68.
Increase 8 on 50: 50 stitches in 8 groups of 6 or 7: (work 6, M1) three times, work 7, M1, then the same again. 50 + 8 = 58 stitches.
How it works
The tool divides the plain stitches into as many groups as there are changes, with group sizes that never differ by more than 1, using the integer split floor((i + 1) x T / k) - floor(i x T / k). Increases between stitches, such as M1 or a yarn over, do not use a stitch, so the whole count n is split into k groups. A decrease (k2tog, ssk, sc2tog) takes two stitches, so n - 2k are plain. The final count is n + k for increases and n - k for decreases.
If you use knit front and back (kfb) or 2 sc in one stitch to increase, the increase works the stitch itself, so work one fewer plain stitch before each increase and the total comes out the same. The result lists this version too. For a shaped item worked flat, put half the first and last group at the edges to keep seams neat; for rounds, start the repeat at the round marker.
Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-05): standard knitting and crochet practice for M1, k2tog and sc2tog; the even split is the usual integer division used to spread a remainder as evenly as possible.
FAQ
How do I evenly space increases in knitting?
Divide your stitches by the number of increases. If it does not divide evenly the groups are two neighbouring sizes. This calculator gives the exact order, such as 6, 6, 6, 7.
How do I evenly space decreases?
Each decrease uses two stitches. Subtract 2 stitches per decrease from your total and split what is left evenly across the decreases.
Does this work for crochet?
Yes. Use 2 sc in one stitch for an increase and sc2tog (or invisible decrease) for a decrease, with the same stitch counts.
Why does the pattern say the decrease uses 2 stitches?
A k2tog turns two stitches into one. So the plain stitches plus 2 per decrease must equal your starting stitches.
What if I want to decrease more than half my stitches?
You cannot with single decreases in one row, because each one uses 2 stitches. Spread it over two rows or use double decreases.
Disclaimer
The pattern assumes single increases that add one stitch and single decreases that remove one stitch per two worked. Check the count against your pattern and adjust at the edges for flat pieces.