The Magic Formula

Even if you NEVER intend to chart your own knitting patterns, it is important to understand the basics. The Magic Formula is one of those basics that every knitter should at least be familiar with

In charting knitting patterns, we use this equation for numerous applications.

• Straight line decreasing and increasing of side seams on skirts, sleeves, slacks, and jackets
• Multiple increasing or decreasing across a single row of knitting.
• Placing darts and buttonholes
• Arranging short row increments for curves
• Determining the stitches in knitting a slanted line
• One can determine rows and/or stitches to be increased or decreased WITHIN a definite amount of space.
• Buttonhole placement, vertical or horizontal, can be situated in exactly balanced spots
• Short row operations can be determined for shoulder slants, pockets, collars, and all kinds of sideways knitting.

The formal name of this mathematical formula is "The Diophantine Equation". Others also refer to it as "The Diophantine Analysis". The concept was discovered by a Greek mathematician named Diophantus who lived around 250 A.D. He developed this equation which only accepts integral parts. (whole numbers)
In plain language - when using this formula, your answers will be the most even division of one number into another.
Today, doing long division isn't necessary. Use the Knit it Now tools for all of these calculations