How to calculate knitting density on knitting needles. Knitting: Calculating knitting density

Church holidays


Before you start knitting a model - be it a model from a magazine or a model from your own sketch - be sure to knit a control sample. Only on the basis of a sample can you compare the density of your knitting with the density specified in the instructions and correctly calculate the loops for the future product. The control sample of the selected pattern is knitted with the yarn from which the model will be made, on knitting needles corresponding to its thickness. The recommended needle number is usually indicated on the label of each skein of yarn.

For the sample, you need to knit a square measuring approximately 12 x 12 cm. To do this, you need to cast on about 45 loops for very thin yarn, about 35 loops for medium-thick yarn, and about 25 loops for thick yarn. For ribbed patterns and braids, add a few more loops. Knit 12 cm with the selected pattern and close the loops. Stretch the sample to size, moisten and leave until dry. Wash samples made of viscose and silk, as well as samples of stretchable patterns before calculating the knitting density (their sizes after washing can change greatly).

Then mark a 10 cm by 10 cm square with pins, this sample will serve as the basis for the calculations. It shows how many stitches and rows are contained in 10cm of width and height. To count loops and rows, apply a ruler, measuring tape or counting frame vertically, parallel to the direction of the loops, and horizontally, as the rows go.

Vertical knitting density (abbreviated PV) is the number of rows in 1 cm. In hand knitting (as opposed to machine knitting), this value is better expressed not by the number of rows, but by the number of edges (1 edge equals 2 rows). They are much easier and faster to count than rows. Horizontal knitting density (Pg) is the number of loops in 1 cm of fabric.

If the model is performed according to instructions from the magazine, compare the resulting density with the given one. If the density of your sample differs from the specified one, you should change the knitting needles: if there are fewer loops and rows of your sample, you should take thinner knitting needles, if there are more, thicker knitting needles.

When calculating loops for a model with your own sketch, use this table.

To be honest, I have never used such a table myself. I do this (and probably many do this). I knit a sample of the size I need in a pattern that will then be used to knit the model itself. I wet it and squeeze it out lightly, lay it out on a flat surface and straighten it. While my sample is drying, I take all my measurements and draw a pattern for my future model and make notes like in magazine patterns.

Then I start working with the sample. I determine the number of centimeters based on the width of the sample and divide by the number of loops of the sample (I do not take into account the edge loops) by this figure - this will be the horizontal knitting density.

For example, a sample has 32 loops, its width is 10 cm, then its density is 3.2 loops per 1 cm (32:10 = 3.2). If the number turns out to be fractional, then that’s how it should be. Do not round to the nearest whole number, as this may lead to errors in calculations. Now, using my pattern, I calculate the number of loops that need to be cast on for each part. For example, the width of the back and front is 50 cm, which means we take our width and multiply it by the density, which we calculated using the sample 50 x 3.2 = 160 loops.

You can do this in one more way (check the first one at the same time), find out how many times the control sample will fit within 50 cm.
We got it to fit completely 5 times, which means our calculation is 32 x 5 = 160 loops.

The number of rows is calculated similarly. For example, 32 rows is 10 cm. For a part 65 cm long, 208 rows are required: 60 cm -192 rows; 5cm -16 rows.

Happy knitting.

Counting loops

It is not so easy to determine the number of loops to start knitting - the elasticity and mobility of the knitted fabric make it difficult to accurately count. Ready-made recommendations are often also not suitable: the yarn from which you would like to knit does not always correspond to the one for which the calculations were made. In addition, everyone has their own knitting style, their own knitting density.
To avoid all sorts of troubles and not to re-bandage the finished item, you should always start work by performing a control sample. It will help you make sure whether the intended pattern is suitable for the existing threads and if the test is successful, the knitting density is calculated from it.

The pattern is not started immediately with the main pattern, but with finishing (elastic band 1x1, 2x2 and other double-sided patterns). In this case, the number of loops for finishing is the same as for the main pattern

For example, let's work with a control sample whose main pattern is English elastic, the finishing pattern is garter stitch.

Start the pattern by casting on 27 garter stitches (all rows are knit stitches) and knitting 3-4 cm, switch to English rib

Row 1 - knit 1, yarn over 1, slip 1. Repeat from the beginning of the row
2nd row - 1 yarn over 1 Slip 1 knit. Repeat from the beginning of the row
3rd row - repeat pattern from 1st row

Having knitted 6-7 cm with the main pattern, close the loops.

The fabric made with different patterns is not always the same in width; in this version it expanded after garter stitching. By combining two patterns in one sample, you will see how they “behave” taken together in order to accurately complete the model and prevent some errors during the work process

Let's assume that our sample is intended for a jacket with a straight or slightly fitted silhouette. In this case, the main pattern and trim should be the same in width. The control sample showed that in order to align the patterns, it is necessary to reduce the number of loops after the garter stitch is completed.

Decreases can be made less noticeable if you introduce one auxiliary row into the work, which is performed with purl loops along the wrong side of the part. In it, at equal intervals, 2 loops are knitted together, purlwise.

Determine the size of the intervals as follows: cover the main one (English elastic) with the finishing pattern and count the loops of the elastic that remain uncovered, say 4.

Divide the number of stitches in the sample by the resulting number (27:4 ~ 6 p)

Therefore, it is necessary to decrease every 6th loop. After this, you can knit the main pattern - it will become the same in width as the trim.

In other options for joining different types of knitting, it may turn out that the finishing is wider than the main pattern (for example, when plaits are made after garter knitting). In this case, you need to add loops after finishing to maintain the straight silhouette of the model.

The principle of calculating the length of the intervals between additions is exactly the same as for decreases.

NOTE: If the pattern is obtained on the wrong side of the fabric, the auxiliary row must be made with front loops along the front side of the part, cutting 2 loops in it together with the front one, and the first row of the main pattern should start from the wrong side of the part

Knitting density
Vertical knitting density (abbreviated PV) is the number of rows in 1 cm of fabric. In hand knitting (as opposed to machine knitting), this value is better expressed not by the number of rows, but by the number of edges (1 edge equals 2 rows). They are much easier and faster to count than rows
Horizontal knitting density (Pg) - number of loops in 1 cm
The thicker the thread and knitting needles, the fewer loops there are per 1 cm of knitting, that is, the lower the density. For example, a fabric knitted with knitting needles No. 2 5 has a pg approximately equal to 3 loops, and a pg knitted with knitting needles no. 5 has a pg of only one and a half loops.

Below is a table that will to some extent help you navigate when determining density.

We remind you that everyone's knitting style is different, so take this into account. If, for example, you knit too tightly, then your knitting may be 1-2 tenths of a unit tighter than usual. In addition, the density also depends on the thickness and quality of the thread and, of course, on the structure of the pattern. We rely on the usual manner of execution.

First of all, do a wet treatment of the control sample. Turn it with the wrong side facing you and pin it onto the soft mat with sewing needles No. 10, sticking them at an acute angle into the edges. Since knitted items stretch in width during wear, you need to calculate the density using a sample that is slightly stretched in width.

Place two layers of damp gauze on it. If the knitting is stocking, openwork or finely knitted, then apply the iron to the sample, lightly touching the surface (iron stocking knitting by pressing firmly with the iron). When the gauze is dry, remove it and leave the wet sample to dry without removing the needles.

If the fabric is knitted with strands, large boucle, tubercles, then use wet cold processing - leave the wet fabric on the sample for 30-40 minutes, then remove it and let it dry. Do not remove the needles until the fabric is completely dry.
Now, from the processed sample, you can calculate the density, using the following two methods simultaneously for greater accuracy.

Method 1. Determine the number of centimeters in the width of the sample and divide the number of loops of the sample, including edge loops, by this figure - this will be the horizontal density - Pg.

For example, in a sample there are 36 loops, its width is 15 cm, then its density is 2.4 loops (Z6p: 15 cm = 2.4p)

If the figure turns out to be a fraction, then in no case neglect the tenths, as this will ultimately lead to errors in the calculations.

Having a pattern and knowing the knitting density, it is not difficult to calculate the initial number of loops for each part. Let's assume the width of the back is 50 cm, which means you need to cast on 120 loops (2.4p x 50 cm)

Method 2. Count how many times the control sample fits at the bottom of the back pattern.

For example, 3 times it fit completely - (36p x 3 = 108p) and 1 time - only a third of it (12 p). Therefore, you need to cast on 120 loops (108 p+12 p=120 p)

Now compare the results of calculations made in two different ways - if they coincide, then you can rest assured of their accuracy and start working. If the calculations are not the same, double-check them carefully.

Horizontal knitting density table (yarn No. 32/2 hosiery knitting)

Before you start knitting the pattern you have chosen, be sure to knit control sample. TOcontrol sample - this is a small fragment of the pattern you have chosen for knitting, which will be associated with the product you have chosen. Typically, its dimensions range from 10 to 15 centimeters in height and width.

Why do you need to knit a control sample?

  • Firstly, to check whether the chosen yarn is suitable for the given pattern. It happens that the pattern does not look good when knitted from the selected threads. For example, many textured patterns look very impressive when knitted from light-colored yarn and are practically invisible on a dark product. It is very important whether the thickness and texture of the yarn is suitable for the chosen pattern. Thus, openwork patterns are very beautifully made from thin yarn, and all kinds of braids and weaves are made from thicker yarn. And the small pattern on the pattern will be difficult to see if the yarn is very fluffy.
  • Secondly, you need to choose the right size of knitting needles, when knitting with them, the pattern will look most expressive. You can read about the general rules for selecting knitting needles and yarn. But there may also be nuances, for example, a knitting pattern with an openwork pattern made of thin fluffy yarn (for example, angora), using large knitting needles, will look unusually gentle and elegant.
  • Thirdly, using the control sample, it is necessary to determine the knitting density, and, therefore, the number of loops that need to be cast on to knit a whole part of the product. The fact is that different craftswomen will have different knitting densities: some knit tighter, while others tighten the loops more loosely, so the width and height of the knitted pattern of identical loops may differ. It is especially important to calculate the density of your knitting and determine the required number of loops in the product when you are knitting a model with a description from a magazine or the Internet, so that the product you knit will fit.

How to knit a control sample correctly.

Sample necessary to knit from selected yarn and knitting needles selected size. We cast on approximately 25-35 loops and knit about 10-15 cm with the main pattern with which the product you have chosen should be knitted. If the pattern has , then we cast on loops so as to knit the entire repeat (if it consists of a large number of loops) or several repeats in a row.

The bound sample must be steamed. To do this, place it with the wrong side up on a soft cloth (I use a towel for this), pin it with pins so that the sample takes a rectangular shape, and at the same time it must be slightly stretched. Cover with damp gauze and iron lightly. The iron temperature should be low. If the pattern has a pronounced texture, for example, it is knitted with plaits or braids, then you should not iron it, just leave wet gauze on it for several hours.

How to determine knitting density

Definition knitting density carried out on a sample that has undergone wet-heat treatment.

  • We define knitting density horizontally

Measure the width of the knitted sample with a ruler. Divide the number of loops of the sample by the number of measured centimeters. You will receive a number that shows how many loops are in one centimeter.

For example: in a sample 14 cm wide, there are 30 loops. 30:14=2.1428 loops. The resulting number can be rounded to the nearest hundredth - 2.14. This means that there are 2.14 loops in 1 cm.

In order to find out how many loops to cast on to knit a product, we multiply its width by the resulting number. For example, the back width is 48 cm, multiply 48 by 2.14, we get 102 loops.

To determine the number of stitches to be cast on, you can also make a proportion

30 loops - 14 cm

x loops - 48 cm (width of our product)

we solve the proportion: x = 30 multiplied by 48 and divided by 14. x = 102, i.e. you need to cast on 102 loops.

  • We define knitting density vertically

We measure the length of the knitted sample with a ruler and count the number of edge loops on this length. Then divide the number of edges by the number of centimeters.

In our example, 13 cm contains 30 edges. 30:13=2.3

Do not forget that the edge loop corresponds to 2 rows, therefore, to find out the vertical knitting density, you need to divide the resulting number in half.

You will need these calculations when knitting armholes and necklines.

If you are going to knit a pattern with a description from a magazine or the Internet, be sure to check whether your knitting density matches that indicated in the magazine.

If your knitting density will be different, then the product you knitted will be small for you, or, conversely, large.

Magazines often indicate knitting density as the number of loops in 10cm. Let's put it this way: the knitting density is 18 sts and 27 r. = 10 x 10cm.

In order to determine whether your knitting density matches that indicated in the magazine, attach a ruler to your control sample and count how many loops there will be in 10 cm, and then how many rows. If your data differs from the data in the log, you can do the following:

1. take knitting needles one size larger or smaller, then the knitting density will become a little more or a little less.

2. knit according to the description in a larger or smaller size. Calculate the number of loops that need to be cast on at your knitting density and knit according to the description of the size in which you need to cast on a similar number of loops.

If you have any questions, then ask them! I'll help you figure them out.

Why do you need to calculate knitting density? You have decided on the model, threads, knitting needles (or crochet), and pattern. Or they simply decided to knit an item according to the recommendations given by the Women's Magazine, where everything is indicated and described: how many and what threads, what number of knitting needles. But, nevertheless, it will not be possible to achieve full compliance with the magazine’s advice, and in the end you may end up with an item that is either a size or two smaller, or larger. Why, everything is very simple. Every person knits differently. Some are very tight, others, on the contrary, very weak, make the loops loose. That's why knitting density loops are different. Because of this, there is a discrepancy in size, but no one is to blame, neither the magazine nor you.

Calculation of regular knitting density

These simple manipulations must be carried out before starting each work. And they don’t take that much time. And then your hobby will give you only joy and pleasure. And there will be no unpleasant aftertaste due to the fact that you have to bandage an almost finished product, or simply put it on a shelf that is not the right size for you.

Calculation of knitting density is done regardless of how the product is knitted - crocheted or knitted. The algorithm for calculating density is the same for any type of knitting. Density is calculated both horizontally (Pg) and vertically (Pv).

The number of loops in 1 or 10 cm of knitted fabric is the horizontal density (Pg).

If you knit an invented model, then it is more practical to calculate the density in one centimeter with an accuracy of two digits. If you follow this recommendation, the calculation will be more accurate.

To calculate the knitting density, you need to knit a sample of 40 loops (except for edge loops). If there is rapport, then when making a sample, you need to take it into account. There are cases that in order to maintain rapport, you need to cast on a number of loops that would be a multiple of a certain number. The recommended sample size is 10 x 10 cm, but for a more accurate calculation you can make it a little larger, for example 15 x 15 cm. The square must be knitted with the pattern chosen for future work. The finished square must be pricked and wet and heat treated. Processing methods may be different, depending on the pattern.

A sample with stocking, garter or jacquard knitting must be steamed through a dampened fabric using an iron. Openwork patterns need to be moistened using a damp cloth and the product should be allowed to dry completely. It is also recommended to wet the sample and prick it - this will allow you to find out how the yarn behaves when washed. It is recommended to measure knitting density only on a completely dry sample. Patterns related to patents, for example, different elastic bands tend to stretch after wet processing, so it is recommended to carry out calculations on a wet sample. When determining the knitting density of smooth patterns, it is not recommended to stretch the sample, but on the contrary, openwork patterns need to be stretched a little, but you should not try too hard, the pattern should not be deformed. Measurements should be taken horizontally, but do not take into account the edge loops. It is necessary to ensure that the sample is not skewed and that the ruler lies along a horizontal row.

It is necessary to measure the density in the middle of the sample, since the fabric is most uniform there. All loops in the sample must be divided by the width of the sample. For example, if the sample consists of 40 loops, not taking into account the edge loops, and the horizontal knitting width is 19.5 cm, then: 40:

19.5 = 2.05 ≈ 2 loops in 1 cm.

When starting work, you need to determine the number of loops, which is calculated by multiplying the knitting density by the width size, for example, if the width of the part is 48 cm, then you need to dial

48 x 2 = 96 loops.

To obtain the most accurate part size, it is also necessary to calculate the vertical knitting density (PV).

This is the number of rows in 1 or 10 cm of knitted fabric.

The vertical density is calculated according to the same scheme as the horizontal one, only the measurements are made in height, not taking into account the initial row and the row of closing loops. In the case of knitting an edge loop with a braid, it will be convenient to count the number of rows using it: one edge loop - two rows. To determine the vertical knitting density, you need to divide the number of rows by the length.

46:15.5 = 2.96 ≈ 3 rows in 1 cm.

If the parts that need to be knitted have a large number of loops, the knitting density must be determined as accurately as possible - it should have 2 decimal places. In the above examples you can see that for a product with a width of 48 cm, the required number of loops is 98, not 96 (48 x 2.05 = 98).

You need to calculate the density very carefully, and then you will get a good result. If you take the literature on knitting, you can see that the density is determined in 10 cm. This is because the knitter’s task is not to count the loops, but to achieve the density indicated in the magazine. Loop calculations are done by journal authors. Each knitter has her own knitting style, and achieving the required density can be extremely difficult: you need to change the numbers of the hook or knitting needles (thicker ones to reduce the density or thinner ones to increase it). It is convenient to measure the density of 10 cm using a 10 x 10 cm template cut from thick cardboard. This template must be placed in the middle of the sample. You can also buy such devices at a craft store.

Calculation of density when knitting braids and patterns

For braid patterns, be sure to measure the width of the braids and the loops in between. Since braids often have a larger number of loops than satin stitches, measurements and calculations of knitting density for braids are done separately, and then the width of the remaining fragments is calculated.



It is often difficult to calculate the knitting density and the number of loops and rows in an openwork pattern. In this case, you need to focus on rapports. In the photo, the repeat (=16 p.) has a width of 8 cm, this corresponds to 20 p. in 10 cm. The number of rows is calculated in the same way.

How to calculate the number of loops when casting on. How to calculate loops when knitting. The easy way (video)

Directory of traditional medicine medical encyclopedia

This page is found by queries:

  • sample after washing the knitting needles
  • how to measure a sample knitted with large knitting needles
  • video calculation of loop density when knitting different patterns
  • how to calculate the shrinkage of a knitted sample after washing

This question is asked by conscientious beginning needlewomen who begin their projects by knitting a sample :) We will talk about the need for samples later, but for now more about how and why...

So what is it knitting density? This is the ratio of yarn thickness and hook/knitting needle number. Those. a certain number of loops and rows, knitted with your hands, your yarn and crochet/knitting needles over a certain area, for example, 10 sq.cm.

Let's knit samples from the same yarn, but with different hooks/knitting needles, and what do we get? Right! We will get a different number of rows and loops in 1 centimeter.

Let's look at the example of a hooked fabric.

The difference is noticeable to the naked eye. Each of them has 21 loops and 22 rows. In this case, 3 different hooks were used: 2.0 mm; 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm.

Using a 2.0 mm crochet hook, the square turned out to be 8 x 8 cm. Quite a tight fabric that is suitable, for example, for a bag, hat, rug or toy.

Using a 3.0 mm crochet hook, the square was already 10 x 10 cm. It is optimal to knit thick clothes.

Crochet 4.0 mm – 12 x 10.5 cm. It didn't even turn out to be a square. The canvas is quite loose, soft and delicate, suitable, for example, for summer clothes.

The same thing happens with fabric knitted with knitting needles.

How to calculate the knitting density of fabric

There is no difference between crocheted and knitted fabric, in terms of calculations. In both cases, we count the number of loops and the number of rows in a certain “piece,” for example, 1 cm.

In the video, I talked in more detail about how I calculate the density of knitting on knitting needles, and in the article I will pay more attention to crochet.

Video lesson on calculating the density of knitting and crocheting:

Let's take as an example a fabric 10 x 10 cm, we know that it has 21 loops and 22 rows. This means that in 1 cm we have 2.1 loops and 2.2 rows. Now you can multiply this number by the required size. That's all))

But when measuring the sample, I make sure to stretch it to the extent that I wanted this product to sit on someone. If it concerns accessories, then I focus on exactly what effect I want to get. For example, for a snood or jacket, I will choose a hook/knitting needles larger than what I would use for a hat.

In this case, there is only one loop in the rapport! But mostly we knit some patterns, which means rapport is already from 2 loops. If the rapport is large, then you must count how much space it takes up, because... Sometimes it is impossible to share rapport, for example, when knitting a hat.

I also want to draw your attention to the fact that your density can “dance” in one direction or another if you knit in turning rows or in the round. I especially notice this on knitted fabrics.

If the product is knitted from motifs, then their size is measured at the widest points. If the sample turns out smaller than desired, take a hook 0.5-1 mm larger, if the sample is larger, then use a smaller hook. But pay attention to the tactile sensations of the motif. If it turns out to be very tight and you are not happy with it, then either select a different yarn or knit in your own density, but the number of motifs will have to be adjusted while working on the product.

Important!

It must be borne in mind that large, heavy items tend to stretch in height under their own weight, and if the knitting density is very weak, then the stretch can be very strong.

And of course, one of the most important points is that we carry out density measurements only after wet-heat treatment! Since the properties of the yarn may change.