Finishing Calculators
Calculate blocking measurements, seaming yarn, button spacing, zip lengths, and embellishments like pom poms, tassels, and fringe.
Blocking Measurements Calculator
Calculate target blocking dimensions based on desired finished size and fibre type.
Mattress Stitch Calculator
Calculate yarn needed for mattress stitch seaming based on seam length.
Button Spacing Calculator
Calculate even button placement along a button band.
Zip Length Calculator
Calculate the correct zip length for cardigans and bags.
Seaming Yarn Calculator
Calculate total yarn needed for seaming all pieces of a garment.
Pom Pom Calculator
Calculate yarn needed to make pom poms of various sizes.
Tassel Calculator
Calculate yarn needed for tassels based on size and quantity.
Fringe Calculator
Calculate yarn needed for fringe edging based on spacing and length.
8 free calculators in Finishing
Finishing Techniques for Knitted Projects
Finishing can make or break a knitted project. Careful blocking, neat seaming, and well-placed buttons transform hand-knitted pieces from homemade to handmade. Our finishing calculators help you plan these final steps accurately.
Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming a finished piece and pinning it to the correct dimensions. The amount of stretch or shrinkage varies by fibre: wool can be blocked to gain 5-10% in width, cotton may shrink slightly, and acrylic responds best to steam blocking. Superwash wool tends to grow when wet and should be dried flat.
Mattress stitch is the most popular seaming method for knitted garments, creating an invisible vertical seam. The general rule is that you need three times the seam length in yarn for mattress stitch. Our seaming calculator works out the total yarn needed for all seams in a garment.
Button spacing should be even, with buttons at the top and bottom of the band and the rest evenly distributed between. For a cardigan, the top button is typically placed at the neckband and the bottom at the start of the ribbing. Our button spacing calculator gives exact placement measurements for any number of buttons.