Measure twice, make once
Motif layout planner
Turn a measured, joined motif repeat into rows, columns, and a make count for a rectangular project.
Start with the calculator. Formula, assumptions, and limits are available when you need them.
Before you use this tool
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.
Method and limits
Formula and assumptions
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.
Worked example
Example: a 10 × 10 cm joined repeat covering 95 × 135 cm needs 10 columns × 14 rows = 140 motifs; 5% allowance means making 147.
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.