Pattern Repeat Expander

Expand supported repeat instructions.

Calculators & Converters
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Expanded Length
0sts
Base Motif
1sts
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Pattern Repeat Expander: Quick Calculation

Estimated Required Count: 220 stitches (based on 5.5 sts/inch)
Ready to count. Changes are automatically saved in local storage.

How Pattern Repeat Expander Works?

The Pattern Repeat Expander works by taking a Base Motif length and the stitches in the row to give the Expanded Length of the full row written out. A line like "*k2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2" becomes a stitch-by-stitch count.

  1. Enter the base motif

    Press → to set Base Motif to the stitches between the asterisks, such as 4 for k2, p2.

  2. Enter the row length

    Tap in the stitches on the needle as Expanded Length.

  3. Subtract the fixed stitches

    Take away the stitches outside the repeat, such as the last 2 stitches.

  4. Divide

    Divide what is left by the motif to get the number of repeats, then write the row out.

Pattern Repeat Expander Formula

The Pattern Repeat Expander formula is repeats = (row stitches − fixed stitches) ÷ motif length. The expanded row is the fixed stitches plus the motif written out that many times.

Repeats
k = (S − f) ÷ m

S is Expanded Length, f is fixed stitches outside the repeat and m is Base Motif.

Expanded row
Row = start + motif × k + end

Write the motif out k times.

Check
start + m × k + end = S

The check confirms the row fits.

Worked example: "*k2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2" on 66 stitches gives (66 − 2) ÷ 4 = 16 repeats: (k2, p2) 16 times, then k2.

Pattern Repeat Expander Conversion Table

The Pattern Repeat Expander conversion table expands 6 shorthand lines on set stitch counts.

Shorthand lines expanded
ShorthandStitchesRepeatsWritten out
*k2, p2; rep from * to last 2, k26616(k2, p2) ×16, k2
*k1, p1; rep from * to end8040(k1, p1) ×40
k3, *yo, k2tog, k4; rep from * to last 3, k36610k3, (yo, k2tog, k4) ×10, k3
*p3, k6; rep from * to last 3, p39310(p3, k6) ×10, p3
sc, *ch 1, sk 1, sc; rep from * to end4120sc, (ch 1, sk 1, sc) ×20
*k4, p4; rep from *9612(k4, p4) ×12

A remainder that is not 0 means the stitch count does not fit the repeat.

What is Pattern Repeat Expander?

A Pattern Repeat Expander is a tool that turns shorthand repeat instructions into a full count of every repeat in the row. Patterns compress rows with asterisks, brackets and "rep from" notes.

Writing the row out shows the exact number of repeats and the leftover stitches before you start. The Stitches Counter tool saves the motif and row length in your browser.

What are the uses of Pattern Repeat Expander?

There are 4 main uses of the Pattern Repeat Expander, including rib rows, lace rows and new sizes.

  • Rib rows

    Count rib repeats across a row.

  • Lace rows

    Write out lace repeats with edge stitches.

  • New sizes

    Expand a row for a stitch count the pattern does not list.

  • Beginners

    Read shorthand as plain steps.

About the Pattern Repeat Expander

Expand shorthand instructions like "*K2, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts" into full explicit stitch-by-stitch roadmaps for any cast-on count.

How to Use This Tool Efficiently

  • ✓Takes the guesswork out of pattern asterisks (*) and brackets [].
  • ✓Generates row-by-row stitch counts tailored to your exact cast-on total.

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