Pickup Rate Calculator
Distribute picked-up stitches along an edge.
Pickup Rate Calculator: Quick Calculation
How Pickup Rate Calculator Works?
The Pickup Rate Calculator works by taking the Total Edge Rows and a Target Pickup Rate and returning the stitches to pick up and the pattern to pick them up in, such as "3 stitches, skip 1 row".
Count the edge rows
Count the rows along the edge you will pick up from.
Enter the rows
Tap in Total Edge Rows on the main display.
Set the rate
Use a rate of 3 per 4 rows for stockinette, 1 per 2 rows for garter, or your own rate.
Pick up in order
Pick up the stitches in the pattern the rate gives, such as pick up 3, skip 1.
Pickup Rate Calculator Formula
The Pickup Rate Calculator formula is stitches = edge rows × (stitches per rate ÷ rows per rate). Row gauge divided by stitch gauge gives a rate for any fabric.
- Stitches to pick up
P = R × a ÷ bR is edge rows and a per b rows is the rate.
- Rate from gauge
Rate = stitch gauge ÷ row gaugeA gauge of 5 sts and 7 rows per inch gives about 5 per 7 rows.
- Skip pattern
Skip b − a rows in every bA 3-per-4 rate skips 1 row in 4.
Worked example: An edge of 140 rows at 3 stitches per 4 rows needs 140 × 3 ÷ 4 = 105 stitches.
Pickup Rate Calculator Conversion Table
The Pickup Rate Calculator conversion table gives the stitches to pick up for 7 edge lengths at 4 rates.
| Edge rows | 1 per row | 3 per 4 rows | 2 per 3 rows | 1 per 2 rows |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 30 | 22 | 20 | 15 |
| 60 | 60 | 45 | 40 | 30 |
| 90 | 90 | 67 | 60 | 45 |
| 120 | 120 | 90 | 80 | 60 |
| 140 | 140 | 105 | 93 | 70 |
| 180 | 180 | 135 | 120 | 90 |
| 240 | 240 | 180 | 160 | 120 |
Swatch the band on 20 rows of edge if the fabric is not stockinette.
What is Pickup Rate Calculator?
A Pickup Rate Calculator is a tool that works out how many stitches to pick up along a row edge and how to space them. Rows are shorter than stitches are wide, so picking up 1 stitch per row makes a band flare.
The right rate makes bands lie flat. The Stitches Counter tool saves the rows and rate in your browser.
What are the uses of Pickup Rate Calculator?
There are 4 main uses of the Pickup Rate Calculator, including button bands, necklines and armholes.
Button bands
Pick up along cardigan fronts.
Necklines
Pick up along neck edges.
Armholes
Pick up around armholes.
Blanket borders
Pick up along blanket sides.
About the Pickup Rate Calculator
Calculate how many stitches to pick up along row edges (e.g. "pick up 3 sts for every 4 rows") to prevent flaring or puckered bands.
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Stockinette rows are shorter than stitches are wide, requiring a 3:4 pickup ratio.
- ✓Garter stitch edges typically require 1 stitch picked up for every 1 garter ridge (2 rows).
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