Stitchbay guide
How many stitches to cast on: a calculator for hats, socks and jumpers
Multiply the measurement by your stitches per 10 cm and divide by 10, after taking off about 10% for things that should hug (hats, socks) or adding ease for a jumper. Then round to the stitch multiple of your rib, such as 4 for k2, p2.
How many to cast on
Ease
Ease is the difference between the garment and the body. Hats and socks are made about 10% smaller than the head or foot (negative ease) so they stay on. Cowls sit loose at the measurement; jumpers usually have 5–10 cm of positive ease.
Rounding to the pattern
Rib and stitch patterns repeat over a set number of stitches. 2 × 2 rib in the round needs a multiple of 4; seed stitch flat needs an odd number. Put the multiple (and any extra stitches) in and the calculator rounds to the nearest count that fits.
Head sizes
| Who | Head round |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 33–36 cm |
| Baby (3–12 months) | 38–46 cm |
| Toddler (1–3 years) | 46–50 cm |
| Child (3–10 years) | 48–53 cm |
| Teen / adult S | 53–55 cm |
| Adult M | 55–58 cm |
| Adult L | 58–61 cm |
Questions
How do I measure a head?
Round the widest part: across the forehead, just above the ears and round the back. The table under the calculator has typical sizes if you're knitting a gift.