StitchTip calculator
Pick-up stitches calculator
Turn a blocked edge, its available row ends or stitches and the band gauge into a repeat-compatible pickup count with an even marker plan.
How this tool works
The calculator derives the pickup total from the measured edge and band gauge, adjusts it to preserve fixed edge stitches and complete pattern repeats, then balances the final count across marked sections.
Example calculation
A 50 cm row edge with 100 row ends and a band gauge of 15 stitches per 10 cm gives 75 stitches. For a multiple of two it adjusts to 76, distributed across eight marked sections.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the garment gauge or the band gauge?
Use the blocked gauge of the band, collar or edging you will actually work. It may differ from the main fabric gauge and is what determines the finished pickup count.
Why count the available rows or stitches?
The physical count lets StitchTip distribute the target across real pickup positions instead of giving only a stitches-per-centimeter estimate.
Does this guarantee the band will lie flat?
It gives a measured starting plan. Yarn elasticity, curves and pickup technique still matter, so work a short section and check for flare or draw-in before completing the edge.