how to calculate buttonholes?

#1

Hello people!
I’ve been making a cardigan and now I’m on the final section of the front plackets. I’m done with my left front placket (without buttonholes) and now I’m about to start the right one (with buttonholes). My question is how to calculate right the distance between each buttonhole? I have a total of 86 stitches on my left band and I want to put 5 buttons of 1 inch each on the other. How should I divide the stitches in between? or the number I should have in the beginning and on the end.

Natalie

#2

I like to space buttonholes based on length measurement rather than stitch number. Here’s an easy way to do that. Of course you can also make fine adjustments to this placement based on stitch number as well.

#3

https://www.amazon.com/Expanding-Aluminum-Quilting-Spacing-Buttons/dp/B0CQT74KB2/ref=asc_df_B0CQT74KB2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=691848901655&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5125380895043390603&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9051543&hvtargid=pla-2283447981579&psc=1&mcid=eaad7857c2923e0ba97aead8e1e46e14&gad_source=1
I have this tool and love it. I make a lot of cardigans (thier my favorite thing to knit) so really comes in handy fir me

3 Likes
#4

@Newknitter4 , would you use that tool after the knit is completed and blocking is done? Or can you use it while knitting the button band for the button hole side ?

#5

You can use it before you pick up stitches for buttonband and mark where you want to place buttonhole

#6

Thank you so much for sharing this.

1 Like
#7

To calculate the placement of your buttonholes for the right front placket, start by determining the total space available for the buttons and buttonholes. With 86 stitches on your left band, you’ll use a similar stitch count for the right band. Since you have 5 buttons, you will need 5 buttonholes, plus you need to leave space for the buttonholes themselves. Assume each button takes up about 1 inch (or roughly 2 stitches, depending on your gauge) and you’ll want to place your buttonholes evenly. Measure the total length of your placket in inches, then subtract the total width of the buttons (5 inches for 5 buttons).

This will give you the remaining space for the buttonholes, which should be divided evenly by the number of gaps (6) created by the buttons (one before the first button, one between each pair of buttons, and one after the last button). Adjust for the number of stitches that will fit into this remaining length to calculate the exact number of stitches between each buttonhole. Make sure to leave an equal number of stitches at the beginning and end for a balanced look, typically 1-2 stitches on each end, depending on your design preference.