Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our calculations, privacy practices, and craft methodology.
Why are Yarnivo calculators free? Is there a catch or account required?▼
Yarnivo is built to be a fast, friction-free resource for the crochet community. There are no accounts, passwords, email sign-ups, or hidden paywalls. All tools run client-side in your browser using pure deterministic JavaScript.
Why is 4 inches not identical to 10 centimeters in crochet gauge?▼
By scientific definition (NIST), 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters. Therefore, 4 inches is 10.16 cm, which is 1.6% wider than 10 cm. In large blankets or garments, this 1.6% variance can produce significant sizing errors. Yarnivo calculates both standards separately.
How does the Swatch-Based Yarn Estimator calculate skein counts?▼
The tool uses the surface area ratio between your measured swatch and your planned project, multiplied by the physical mass (weight in grams) of your swatch. A safety allowance (typically 10%–15%) is added to cover joins and tension drift, and the result is rounded up to the nearest whole skein.
What is the foundation-chain offset (c) in the Blanket Calculator?▼
When crocheting a foundation chain, you need extra chains beyond the first-row stitch count to turn the work and insert your hook into the first stitch. For single crochet, this offset is typically +1; for double crochet, it is typically +2 or +3 depending on whether the chain counts as a stitch. Yarnivo asks for this offset from your pattern rather than guessing.
Are my saved projects stored in the cloud or sent to a server?▼
No. All saved projects, calculation snapshots, and row counter data live strictly in your device’s local browser storage (localStorage). Nothing is transmitted to external servers. To keep a backup or transfer data to a second device, use the "Export All Backup" button in My Projects.
How does the Increase/Decrease Calculator distribute stitches evenly?▼
The engine uses mathematical integer grouping. It divides the available plain stitches by the number of required increase or decrease operations. If there is a remainder, it distributes the wider intervals evenly so the gap between changes never varies by more than one stitch.
Can I print my calculations or project sheets?▼
Yes. Every calculator includes a "Print / Save PDF" option, and the Project Workspace offers a dedicated printable project sheet with clean print-optimized CSS.
What should I do if my gauge does not match my pattern?▼
If you have more stitches per 10cm than the pattern specifies, your tension is tighter than the designer’s; try a hook that is 0.5mm larger. If you have fewer stitches per 10cm, your tension is looser; try a hook that is 0.5mm smaller. Always make a fresh swatch to verify.
Does Yarnivo use AI or machine learning models to calculate gauge?▼
No. All calculators on Yarnivo use pure, deterministic mathematical formulas in TypeScript. There are no AI hallucinations, generative models, or unpredictable approximations in our calculations.