How Many Rows - Answers for whatever you're knitting (2024)

How many rows do I knit for my 10-year-old, how many rows for a man’s hat, for my toddler, for my newborn, for the blanket ? I get asked this question in many different ways. Each has agenericanswer which you can find in most size charts. We have one of those below.

But there is a better way…

Let’s Start with a Generic Size Chart for Loom Knit Hats

The chart is an example – The Advise works for ALL types of knitting, not just loom knitting and not just hats.

Loom Size / Hat Size

Size Chart is based on Averages. The information is only a recommendation. Please use your own judgement in the final decision.

Note: Rows are based on 1 strand of thick yarn or 2 strands of light or medium weight yarn, e-Wrap Stitch and No Brim.
Chart Update: 10/2014
For a Folded Brim you may need 6 - 18 rows depending on the recipient. Note that to make the brim you fold the knitting in half.

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

BUT The Point of This Article is to Teach You aCustomAnswer to The Question

People don’t ALWAYS use the same weight yarn, the same looms, the same number of strands. That’s why generic Size Charts one way to answer the question but they are NOT the best way .

A measuring tape and basic math gives you a much better answer. One made just for YOU.

Most people know how long they want their project to be or if they don’t they can always measure it. Based on this assumption here is an easy formula to help you figure out how many rows you need for your particular project

Supplies Needed : Measuring Tape, Pen or Pencil, Paper

Step One: Knit 6 Rows

Using the exact yarn and number of strands you’re going to be using for your project, knit at least 6 rows.

Step Two: Measure

With a measuring tape, measure out an inch and count the number of rows it took to make up that inch.

This is not same for everyone and it’s not necessarily the same every time you are knitting an item even if it’s the same item. It is based on, the tool you are using (loom, needle, machine) , the thickness or weight of your yarn and how many strands you are using to knit.

NOTE: There are 2.54Centimetersin 1 Inch

For Hats:Measure from the middle of the top of the head (crown) , down the back of the head to just above the curve of the neck . The average adult is 8 – 9 inches long.

FORMULA: Number of rows you need to knit to measure 1 inch in length x Number of inches you want you item to be.

The Example: Me

I almost always useworstedweight yarn. I almost always use 2 strands of yarn and the simple e-wrap stitch. I have made so many hats for adults that I already know that based on my yarn and number of strands I need 4 rows per inch. The average adult would need an 8 inch hat. For my hats the formula below is what I need to use.

4 Rows = 1 Inch

8 inch Hat needs 32 rows ( 8×4 )

Problem: Different Stitches

What if you use more than one type of stitching?

Then the advise is to knit that type of stitch 5-8 rows, measure an inch and count the rows

How Many Rows – The Movie:

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