This post shares the formula needed to resize a knit blanket, dishcloth, or towel.
One of the most common knitting questions that I am asked is how to resize a knit blanket, a washcloth, or a towel. So, let’s take a minute to review that process. It’s a relatively easy math equation, for which you need several variables: the Gauge, the Desired Length, and the Stitch Multiple
This process is the same regardless of your blanket pattern! Some of our free knit blanket patterns include:
With the yarn used, we have a gauge of 5 stitches per inch
The pattern instructs to cast on 250 stitches for a blanket the width of 52″ (not including fringe, just the blanket which is 50″ and the crochet edge which is 1″ on each side)
The formula we need is: Gauge X Width= Number of Stitches to cast on
As the pattern is written: 5 X 50 =250 cast on stitches
So, if you wanted a blanket that was 25″ wide and you have a yarn with the same gauge, then:
We have a multiple of 8 stitches plus 7, plus 6 for the border.
If we use the same yarn, we have a gauge of 5 stitches per inch.
The pattern instructs to cast on 181 stitches for a blanket the width of 36″ (not including the added crochet border, just the knit blanket). The multiple means we need to be a little flexible with the calculations…we just need to make sure we that the number of stitches we cast on sticks with the multiple.
Gauge X Width= Number of Stitches to cast on
5 X 36 =180 PLUS 1= 181 cast-on stitches
So, if you wanted a blanket that was 23″ wide and you have yarn with the same gauge, then:
5 X 23″ = 115
But we need to figure out how the multiple works, so…we subtract the plus 7 and the plus 6 from above to get = 102. Then we need to find the number closest to 102 that is also divisible by 8. It is just a matter of punching numbers into your calculator until you find one that works. In this case, the one that works best is 104 (8 X 13). Then we add the 7 and the 6 back, so 104 + 6 + 7 = 117. You would cast on 117 stitches to get a 23″ blanket.
I hope these illustrations of the calculations will help you resize a knit blanket, washcloth, or towel. If you do have further questions, absolutely let me know. I will gladly add to this post as needed.
Bookmark this page or pin the following image to refer back to these directions for how to resize a blanket, throw or washcloth in the future.
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Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the info on how to resize a blanket etc. I want to make the Chunky Blanket, but as 56” x 78”, versus 56” x 60”. By using the amount of yarn given in the pattern for the blanket, I calculated that the amount needed is 294 yards of yarn. No problem there. But, how can I calculate how many yards of yarn I will need to make a 56” x 78” blanket ? I will be using a no. 6 size yarn anyway. I guess that this gray matter has forgotten her basic math skill. Hi Hi. I hope that you can help.
Theresa
Hi Theresa! The yarn I used was even thicker than a size 6, so it would be hard for me to compare the 2. However, I rely on this site to help me calculate yardage. The only problem is that the blanket size don’t go quite as big as you want to make, but given their calculations, I figure you would need 1,726 yards of a yarn with a gauge of 8 stitches per 4 inches, which is typically a size 6 yarn.
Hi Lynn, I’m going to make the Broken Rib Stitch Chunky Blanket for my girls as Christmas presents this year. I was able to purchase the Michael’s 12 skein set. Is it possible for you to include a knitting note on your pattern if wanting to resize the blanket using 12 skeins instead of 11? I could not find that info here on this page. I am very much a challenged and new knitter so still figuring out the math. Thanks so much for all you do! Your instructions and patterns are helping me to grow my knitting and I am loving it all the way. And my family loves your recipes too!
Hi Tiffany, that’s a great suggestion! As written, with 11 skeins, the blanket measures 60″ by 68″. You’d have three options, make it longer, wider or a little of both. What would you prefer?
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the info on how to resize a blanket etc. I want to make the Chunky Blanket, but as 56” x 78”, versus 56” x 60”. By using the amount of yarn given in the pattern for the blanket, I calculated that the amount needed is 294 yards of yarn. No problem there. But, how can I calculate how many yards of yarn I will need to make a 56” x 78” blanket ? I will be using a no. 6 size yarn anyway. I guess that this gray matter has forgotten her basic math skill. Hi Hi. I hope that you can help.
Theresa
Hi Theresa! The yarn I used was even thicker than a size 6, so it would be hard for me to compare the 2. However, I rely on this site to help me calculate yardage. The only problem is that the blanket size don’t go quite as big as you want to make, but given their calculations, I figure you would need 1,726 yards of a yarn with a gauge of 8 stitches per 4 inches, which is typically a size 6 yarn.
Here’s the site…https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/secure-html/onlineec/knittingCalculator.asp#knitCalcResults
Hi Lynn, I’m going to make the Broken Rib Stitch Chunky Blanket for my girls as Christmas presents this year. I was able to purchase the Michael’s 12 skein set. Is it possible for you to include a knitting note on your pattern if wanting to resize the blanket using 12 skeins instead of 11? I could not find that info here on this page. I am very much a challenged and new knitter so still figuring out the math. Thanks so much for all you do! Your instructions and patterns are helping me to grow my knitting and I am loving it all the way. And my family loves your recipes too!
Hi Tiffany, that’s a great suggestion! As written, with 11 skeins, the blanket measures 60″ by 68″. You’d have three options, make it longer, wider or a little of both. What would you prefer?
Thanks, Lynn