Picked-Up Stitch Counter

Count stitches picked up along edges.

Tools & Utilities
Active Counter
Stitches Picked Up
0sts
Target Pickup
40target
Tap Anywhere to Count
Press Space or ↑ on your keyboard • Auto-saves instantly
Ready to count. Changes are automatically saved in local storage.

How Picked-Up Stitch Counter Works?

The Picked-Up Stitch Counter works by counting Stitches Picked Up along an edge while Target Pickup holds the number the pattern needs. Picking up makes new live stitches along a finished edge for a band, collar or heel gusset.

  1. Set the pickup target

    Press → to set Target Pickup.

  2. Divide the edge

    Place markers to divide the edge into 4 equal parts and split the target by 4.

  3. Count each picked-up stitch

    Tap the count pad or press Space for every new stitch.

  4. Check each section

    Compare the count at each marker with a quarter of the target.

Picked-Up Stitch Counter Formula

The Picked-Up Stitch Counter formula is stitches to pick up = edge rows × pickup ratio. The standard ratio along stockinette rows is 3 stitches for every 4 rows.

Along rows
Pick up = rows × 3 ÷ 4

Use 1 per 2 rows on garter edges.

Along stitches
Pick up = stitches × 1

Pick up 1 per stitch on bound-off edges.

Per section
Section = target ÷ markers

Equal sections give even spacing.

Worked example: A cardigan front edge of 132 rows needs 132 × 3 ÷ 4 = 99 stitches for a stockinette band.

Picked-Up Stitch Counter Conversion Table

The Picked-Up Stitch Counter conversion table converts edge rows into stitches to pick up at 3 ratios.

Pickup stitches by edge length and ratio
Edge rows3 per 4 rows2 per 3 rows1 per 2 rows (garter)
24181612
48363224
72544836
96726448
120908060
1441089672
18013512090

Adjust the total to a multiple of the band rib, such as a multiple of 4 + 2 for 2x2 rib.

What is Picked-Up Stitch Counter?

A Picked-Up Stitch Counter is a tool that counts the stitches picked up along an edge against a target. Necklines, button bands, armhole edges and sock gussets all start with picked-up stitches.

Too many stitches make a band flare; too few make the edge pucker. Counting against a target keeps the band flat.

The Stitches Counter tool saves the count and the target in your browser.

What are the uses of Picked-Up Stitch Counter?

There are 4 main uses of the Picked-Up Stitch Counter, including necklines, button bands and heel flaps.

  • Necklines

    Pick up around the neck for a ribbed band.

  • Button bands

    Pick up along cardigan fronts.

  • Heel flaps

    Pick up along both sides of a sock heel flap.

  • Armhole edges

    Pick up around sleeveless armholes.

About the Picked-Up Stitch Counter

Keep tally of stitches picked up along sweater button bands, collar ribs, or sock heels according to your target pickup ratio.

How to Use This Tool Efficiently

  • ✓Divide the edge into 4 equal quarters with pins to ensure stitches are picked up evenly.
  • ✓A standard pickup ratio is 3 stitches for every 4 rows along vertical garter/stockinette edges.

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