# [Choose a layout when the target is not an exact multiple](https://threadcabin.com/explore/72/choose-a-layout-when-the-target-is-not-an-exact-multiple)

> A 125 × 180 cm target with 12 cm square repeats needs 11 × 15 motifs to cover it: 132 × 180 cm. Keeping only complete repeats inside the target gives 120 × 180 cm.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/72/choose-a-layout-when-the-target-is-not-an-exact-multiple
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:32.9230112+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:38.2469558+00:00
- Craft: Crochet
- Primary image: [Choose a layout when the target is not an exact multiple — measured quantities](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/c31-plan.png)

A 125 × 180 cm target with 12 cm square repeats needs 11 × 15 motifs to cover it: 132 × 180 cm. Keeping only complete repeats inside the target gives 120 × 180 cm.

## Work through the example

1. Decide whether 125 cm is a minimum coverage, a maximum width or an approximate preference. That determines which rounding choice is useful.
2. Compare cover mode with complete-only mode. They give 165 and 150 motifs respectively before spares. Neither option crops a square.
3. For the narrower 120 cm field, a separately sampled 2.5 cm border on each side would reach 125 cm. Check top and bottom borders against the height as well.

## Check before committing

The edge-allowance control adds room to the requested motif field; it does not design a border. Irregular and staggered motifs need a measured layout.

## Method and sources

These are original planning examples using the linked tools’ methods. Replace measured inputs with your own samples; a calculator cannot validate the construction. Keep the resulting measurements, choices and remaining checks with the project.

- [Craft Yarn Council: designing with measured motifs](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/diy.html)
- [Craft Yarn Council: Star Bright Afghan motif gauge and layout](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/node/479)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=crochet)

## Sources and provenance

- [Plan and join crochet motifs into a finished project](https://threadcabin.com/explore/20/plan-and-join-crochet-motifs-into-a-finished-project)
- [Motif layout planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/motif-layout-planner)

## [Motif layout planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/motif-layout-planner)

Turn a measured, joined motif repeat into rows, columns, and a make count for a rectangular project.

Join and finish several sample motifs before measuring the repeat pitch between matching points. Enter the motif field after subtracting borders.  Cover rounds up each axis; complete-only rounds down. Extra motifs are spares outside the layout.  Extra outer-edge allowance is added twice to each target dimension. Internal joins belong in the measured motif pitch.

Required field = target width/height + twice the outer-edge allowance. Divide each axis by the finished joined motif pitch, swapping axes when rotated. Cover rounds up; complete-only rounds down. Multiply rows by columns, then add the rounded-up spare percentage. This model covers aligned rectangular layouts.

- Joined repeat width: 12 cm
- Joined repeat height: 12 cm
- Target width: 125 cm
- Target height: 180 cm
- Extra motif allowance: 0 %
- Motif orientation: As measured
- Edge treatment: Cover target (round up)
- Seam or edge allowance: 0 cm

## [Motif layout planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/motif-layout-planner)

Turn a measured, joined motif repeat into rows, columns, and a make count for a rectangular project.

Join and finish several sample motifs before measuring the repeat pitch between matching points. Enter the motif field after subtracting borders.  Cover rounds up each axis; complete-only rounds down. Extra motifs are spares outside the layout.  Extra outer-edge allowance is added twice to each target dimension. Internal joins belong in the measured motif pitch.

Required field = target width/height + twice the outer-edge allowance. Divide each axis by the finished joined motif pitch, swapping axes when rotated. Cover rounds up; complete-only rounds down. Multiply rows by columns, then add the rounded-up spare percentage. This model covers aligned rectangular layouts.

- Joined repeat width: 12 cm
- Joined repeat height: 12 cm
- Target width: 125 cm
- Target height: 180 cm
- Extra motif allowance: 0 %
- Motif orientation: As measured
- Edge treatment: Complete motifs only
- Seam or edge allowance: 0 cm