# [Plan and sample a straight picked-up band](https://threadcabin.com/explore/82/plan-and-sample-a-straight-picked-up-band)

> Along 120 body rows, a body gauge of 30 rows per 10 cm and a band gauge of 20 stitches per 10 cm suggest 80 picked-up stitches: approximately two stitches for every three rows.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/82/plan-and-sample-a-straight-picked-up-band
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:32.9890307+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:38.2989911+00:00
- Craft: Knitting
- Primary image: [Plan and sample a straight picked-up band — measured quantities](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/n12-plan.png)

Along 120 body rows, a body gauge of 30 rows per 10 cm and a band gauge of 20 stitches per 10 cm suggest 80 picked-up stitches: approximately two stitches for every three rows.

## Work through the example

1. Measure both finished samples over the same distance. The body contributes rows along the edge; the band contributes stitches along that same physical length.
2. Enter 120 edge rows, 30 body rows and 20 band stitches. The ratio is 20 ÷ 30, not a universal pickup rule.
3. Mark the edge into equal sections and distribute the 80 pickups across them. Keep corners and any pattern-specific edge treatment separate.
4. Work enough band depth to assess whether it waves, pulls or lies comfortably. Finish the sample before accepting the ratio.
5. Record the tested count and any adjusted distribution. Use it for the straight section only, then reassess transitions separately.

## Check before committing

Curves, damaged edges, selvedges and a band requiring a special multiple can change placement. This arithmetic supplies a starting count, not a complete neckline design.

## Printable planning record

Inputs and sample measurements recorded; chosen result checked; material/color references recorded; reserve included once; construction and finishing checks completed.

## 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.

- [Purl Soho: picking up along vertical and horizontal edges](https://www.purlsoho.com/create/picking-up-stitches/)
- [Tin Can Knits: testing and adjusting button bands](https://blog.tincanknits.com/2014/01/24/how-to-knit-a-button-band/)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

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

## Sources and provenance

- [Picking up stitches without a wavy band](https://threadcabin.com/explore/56/picking-up-stitches-without-a-wavy-band)
- [Stitch pickup planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/stitch-pickup-planner)

## [Stitch pickup planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/stitch-pickup-planner)

Plan a starting stitch count for a straight knitted edge using the gauges of the body and new band.

Count rows along the actual straight edge. Measure body rows and finished band stitches over the same distance; they describe different fabrics.  A 3-to-4 result means distribute three pickups across four edge rows, not insert three times in one hole. Recheck the band flat before continuing.

Unrounded pickups = edge rows × band stitch gauge ÷ body row gauge. Round to the nearest whole stitch; halves round up. The displayed ratio reduces the rounded count against the edge rows. Edge rows: 1–10,000; each gauge: 0.1–1,000; result: 1–10,000 stitches.

- Body rows over that distance: 30
- Band stitches over that distance: 20
- Rows along the straight edge: 120