Explore guide
Choose and maintain selvedges
Reserve edge stitches before fitting the main repeat. Choose a selvedge for its future use: visible edge, seam or picked-up band.
Related lessons and tools
Reserve edge stitches before fitting the main repeat. Choose a selvedge for its future use: visible edge, seam or picked-up band.
Before you start
Use smooth, light yarn and a small sample that matches the lesson’s flat or circular construction. Mark the right side and record the starting stitch count. Follow the pattern’s own stitch key.
Try this example
For two edge stitches on each side and a six-stitch repeat, 40 stitches gives 2 + 6 × 6 + 2. Keep those four edge stitches out of the motif count.
Check your result
- Count live stitches, trace one column and inspect both faces. Compare the relaxed edge with the middle of the sample before repeating the operation on a project.
- Stitch names and mounts vary between knitting styles. Follow the required fabric structure and pattern key rather than assuming every front loop is the correct entry point.
Sources
Stitch-repeat fitting planner
Find the nearest stitch counts that preserve a pattern repeat and edge stitches.
Before you use this tool
A repeat is the sequence worked again; edge stitches sit outside it. Enter the fixed edge count per side.
Compare the lower and higher valid totals with their predicted widths and deliberately select the fit you want. A valid multiple alone does not establish a comfortable size.
Method and limits
Formula and assumptions
Fixed edge stitches are removed first; the remaining count is rounded down and up to complete repeats. The optional gauge converts both valid counts to finished measurements so their size difference is visible.
Worked example
Example: target 103 with an 8-stitch repeat and 2 stitches at each edge gives nearby valid counts of 100 and 108.
Limits and rounding
Results are planning estimates from the values entered. Displayed decimals are rounded for craft use; whole materials and repeats round up where the method says so. Confirm gauge, material behavior, construction, and finished measurements before committing supplies.